Native Americans often use prayers and poetry as a way to express their respect for nature and to explore universal themes. A wedding also inspires this form of writing. Follow these steps to come...
Dream catchers were originally made by the Ojibwa (Chippewa) to protect their children from nightmares. Bad dreams were trapped in the web and burned away with the first light of the sun. You can...
Kachina (or katsina) dolls, decorated sculptures hand-carved from wood, represent the more than 250 Hopi gods or spiritual beings. First created in 1880, kachina dolls now appear in art museums,...
You've heard stories for years about how a distant relative was Native American. You've always wondered if it was true. Curiosity about Native American ancestors is booming, with increasing...
Smudge sticks are used in traditional Native American ceremonies to purify people and places. There are similar ceremonies in many cultures where herbs are burned for cleansing. Smudging can be...
For anyone other than an Intuit or someone who has spent time living with them, the idea of staying warm in an igloo probably conjures up images of a generator, space heater, massive down parka...
North and South America were hardly empty when Christopher Columbus ran into a Caribbean island while trying to reach India. They were populated by millions of native peoples with diverse...
A teepee is the most well known movable home. It provides ample room and doesn't get blown away by strong winds. The greatest part about a teepee is that you can burn a fire inside of it because...
Kachina dolls are colorful representations of Hopi earth and sky spirits. These dolls are made from blocks of wood and sometimes festooned with feathers and bright costumes. Some popular Kachinas...
Native American drums are built from various local natural materials. The drum head is made from stretched hide. To build a high quality Native American drum requires patience. Native American...
The richness of Native American culture and beliefs is reflected in their stories. They will seem simplistic or bizarre to you if you don't educate yourself. Learn about the American Indian way of...
Although one may buy a jingle dress, traditionally a dancer or her family made them. The most important aspect of the dress is the jingle cone, which was traditionally rolled from tobacco can lids...
Brightly colored ribbons or yarn fringes drape the Native American Grass Dancer. The Grass Dance originated as a ceremonial dance by the men of northern Plains tribes. Over the years, different...
Listen for musical jingling at a pow wow and you've found the Jingle Dance. Legend says that this women's dance started as a healing dance. Women wearing jingle dresses took sideways steps around...
Native Americans have danced in ceremonies for generations and it is a well-known part of their culture. Each dance has its own meaning and reason for performing it. There are several fundamental...
A sweat lodge is a sacred place for spiritual cleansing and healing. Originally created by Native American medicine men, this ancient form of prayer is used today by many nationalities and creeds....
If you are headed to a costume party or attending a cultural festival, you might be thinking about dressing like an Indian (properly termed Native American). Whether you are looking for a quick...
The Pow Wow is the Native Americans' historic gathering to dance, sing and visit with old and new friends. When you attend a Pow Wow, you should think of yourself as a welcomed guest. Return this...
Communicating thoughts and ideas can be a problem. Others may disagree with you and have suggestions of their own that they wish to eagerly air. The Native Americans had a remedy for this by using...
This mini-Drum is a nice decoration and a great way to recycle your coffee, or other large cans.
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