THESE ARE NATIVE AMERICAN SYMBOLS AND GEMSTONES USED BY OUR INDIAN JEWELRY MAKERS: What They Mean In American Indian Culture Indian Bears: In Native American beliefs the bear symbolizes physical strength, leadership and is known as the "first helper". Indian Bear Paws: In Native American beliefs the bear paw is usually considered a way of call for the power of the animal spirit, or as an indication of the presence of the spirit. It’s a symbol represents inner strength. Indian Feathers: They are symbols of prayers, marks of honor or sources of ideas. They represent the Creative Force. Indian Kokopelli: The Kokopelli is a common fertility symbol throughout the Southwest. In Native American beliefs the kokopelli is a fertility symbol, visiting various communities, bringing fertility to women drawn to the tones of his flute playing. Like most fertility deities, Kokopelli presides over both childbirth and agriculture. He is also a trickster god and represents the spirit of music. |
Indian Eagle Symbol: In Native American beliefs, the eagle is the master of the sky; he is considered to be a carrier of prayers. Many of the Indian Nations admire the eagle for bravery and special connections to the creator. Indian Buffalo: Is thought to be a great spiritual protector, bringing nurishment to the body and soul. When a white or albino Buffalo is born, it is thought to bring peace among nations. Indian Dream Catcher The dream catcher's web cause bad dreams to get tangled, preventing them from passing into dreamtime. The good dreams slip through the center. In the morning sunlight purifies the web of bad dreams. Indian Arrowhead: Arrowhead is thought to represent the hunter and symbolizes the adventurer in each of us. Zuni Indian Bear: The Zuni Indian Bear symbolizes the most powerful animal who is a Guardian of the Earth. Native Americans believe if you place a small amount of corn meal under the nose of a Zuni Bear image when you leave your home to protect it while away. Its strength are passed on to the owner. The heart-line is an arrow going from its head to the heart shows the Indian warrior's heart is strong like the bears. TURQUOISE, PRECIOUS AND SEMI-PRECIOUS GEMSTONES, PEARLS AND OTHER BEADS AND WHAT THEY MEAN CORAL: Coral is known to be very soothing and very protective. It is of an organic origin, being the skeletal remains of marine animals called Coral Polyps. Colonies of these tiny creatures build branching structures as they grow, gradually forming reefs and atolls. TURQUOISE: It is believed that turquoise tends to bring good fortune, strength and helps overcome illness. Turquoise got its name from the Levantine traders called Turks who brought the stone to Europe from Persia via Turkey centuries ago. Native Americans have prized turquoise since the time of the Aztecs, who mined it in New Mexico. The natural variations that occur in turquoise are part of their appeal and beauty. RUBY: A gemstone, ruby is thought to speed the healing of body, mind and spirit. It is believed to aid in psychic development while it energizes. It’s a good stone for just about everyone. LAPIS: Lapis is the perfect stone for wisdom and fortitude. It is also believed to be an excellent stone for decision makers. It helps increase psychic ability. OPAL: Most people know Opal for it's distinctive play of color, it is semi-transparent solidified mineral composed of silicon and water, and it gets its name from the Latin word "Oplus" meaning precious stone. Opal is October’s birthstone. It is believed to release self-consciousness allowing spontaneous action, and awakens one’s psychic and mystical qualities. ONYX: It is a semi-precious gemstone, and it is a cryptocrystalline form of quartz. Onyx is also known to be a calming stone. Native Americans believe it collects negative energy from you while wearing it. MALACHITE: It is famous for its radial banding and deep green color. Popular today for use in Southwestern Indian jewelry, malachite was also popular in the past with the ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. It was worn as a good luck charm to keep away danger and illness. It is believed to balance and stabilize ones emotions. TIGER"S EYE: Also called Tigers eye or Tiger eye is a chatoyant gemstone. Tiger Eye stone contains a golden yellow reflection on a brown ground color. The most important source of tiger eye is South Africa, but it is also found in California. Native American Indians believe it conveys courage and protection. PEARLS: Pearls are known to stabilize and balance emotions. They are believed to help your body in using calcium better. For Native Americans pearls are full of purity and integrity. RHODOCHROSITE: A mineral mined in the U.S., rhodochrosite is known to strengthen self- identity; helps heal deep emotional trauma and balances with a loving vibration. JET: It is an organic gemstone which was highly popular during the reign of Queen Victoria. It has been traditionally fashioned into rosaries for monks. In the U.S. long necklaces of jet beads were very popular during the 1920s, or Roaring Twenties, when women and young flappers would wear multiple strands of jet beads stretching from the neckline to the waistline. Today it is used to beautify Native American Indian jewelry |