| The rituals of Native American jewelry has | | | | native people is representative of the |
| played a big role in past and present Native | | | | different stages of life an individual has |
| American beliefs and is the symbol for nature | | | | risen to. In many Native American tribes the |
| in tribal ceremonies, and represents | | | | young people are brought into adulthood when |
| individual status in Indian culture. | | | | they acquire the spiritual totem consisting |
| Natural materials were used in their jewelry | | | | of shells, beads, or other symbols of nature. |
| making, including feathers along with | | | | Native American religious jewelry was often |
| minerals and gem stones, such as turquoise | | | | given to women after there first menstrual |
| and silver. | | | | cycle as achieving womanhood and to newly |
| | | | united couples for health, happiness and |
| For thousands of years, turquoise has been | | | | fruitful forth comings along the path of |
| treasured both for its natural beauty as well | | | | family life. |
| as its presumed power to heal. Turquoise is a | | | | |
| sacred stone that has been used for centuries | | | | Because our culture today uses jewelry mostly |
| to adorn ritual objects and is still | | | | for decorative purposes we often forget the |
| considered a cherished possession by Native | | | | roots of jewelry and how, to some cultures, |
| American Indians of the Navajo, Hopi, Zuni, | | | | it can have a deeper spiritual meaning. |
| Pueblo and other indian nations. History even | | | | Recognizing the importance of this religious |
| dates back as early as to Ancient Egypt, as | | | | jewelry in other cultures allows us to see |
| exquisite turquoise adornments have been | | | | the greater symbolic uses that jewelry can be |
| uncovered in tombs. These natural materials | | | | used for. |
| were a reminder of the Earth around them. | | | | |
| | | | Today. our society and culture adorns the |
| Religious jewelry has played a significant | | | | Native American jewelry for it's elegance and |
| role in Native American culture. During | | | | fashion and most people are not aware of the |
| healing ceremonies and tribal rituals, the | | | | religious, ritual and ceremonial values of |
| indian people would take care and pride in | | | | this jewelry. By recognizing and |
| wearing only specific types of religious | | | | understanding the values set on Native |
| native jewelry that were the right colors, | | | | American indian jewelry we can learn to |
| materials, and representing the proper symbol | | | | admire the symbolic beauty of this Native |
| for that ritual event. Native American | | | | American culture. |
| history tells us that the jewelry worn by the | | | | |