Native American Art

The different proofs of Native American art scattered all over the place show how creative Native Americans were. They were into sandpainting, basket weaving, pottery, and painting. Native American patterns serve as the best indication as to how the people highly value all the things in their universe, both living and inanimate. Also, Native American art’s patterns are products of the creativity and feelings of the artist that made them. Basically, the native patterns revolve around nature and sacredness.

Native American Art – Basic Facts

Different forms of Native American patterns and designs can be seen in artifacts such as arts, crafts, jewelry, wood, pots, ceramics, dolls, and beadworks. Native American patterns have this feeling of sophistication and surrealness as it incorporates the inner thoughts of the artists. During the early days of the Native Americans, no term such as “art” or  “artists” are present to give Indian designs and patterns and their creators the prestige they deserve. It was only later on that Indian art designs were given the proper recognition of something that really emulates real beauty and unique identity, which is the core of the term “art”.

Native American Arts – Rock Based

Native American Art - Rock Based
Native American Art – Rock Based

With rock been abundant, American Indian patterns are often being inculcated here. Indian art patterns under this medium often show historical events. Images of ceremonies are also part of the renowned Indian design patterns. Also, rock-based Native American art designs often show hunting activities, wars, and ceremonies. In some cases, Native Indian patterns drawn from rocks also tell stories which historians have used to understand Native Americans more.

Native American Art – Dolls

Native American Art - Dolls
Native American Art – Dolls

These dolls are often referred to as Kachina Dolls. Indian designs patterns are evident in the costumes, carving, and paintings incorporated in the dolls.  These dolls serve as keepsakes which are given to Native American children. They are structured through cornhusks, fiber, leather and pine needles. The American Indian pattern infused in these dolls often depend on the characteristic of the child, or the even in which it is given to.

 

Native American Arts – Pottery

Native American Art - Pottery
Native American Art – Pottery

Famous Native American designs and patterns in pottery are usually from the Pueblo Native Americans. They are claimed to be the origin of such art representation. There are also that say that they got the idea from the Apache tribe. The ceramics are often infused with Native American geometric patterns and animal symbols.

 

Native American Art – Beadwork

Native American Art - Beadwork
Native American Art – Beadwork

Native American’s beadworks are highly infused with symbolic Indian patterns and designs. They use glass beads. Kinds of beadworks include wampum belt, beaded jewelry, bags, amulets, and quillwork. Each output has its own Native American pattern. Duplication is difficult because they are done by hand, and freely. Beadwork is considered as a tedious task, with each bead being stitch by hand. It becomes more difficult with the incorporation of difficult native pattern and Indian art design.

Native American Arts – Paintings

Native American Art - Body Painting
Native American Art – Body Painting

Originally, the paintings of Native Americans exist for the purpose of rituals and significant social events. With the influence of the Europeans, the paintings shifted purpose, and designs also changed. Nevertheless, the identity of Native Americans art designs remained prominent. The creation of American Indian designs and patterns became a possibility with the use of mineral pigments from charcoal, aches, copper minerals, and many others. Also, native art designs infused in their painting are more on geometric, abstract, images of natural beings, and symbols. Body painting is also one manifestation of this Native Americans art.

Native American art history, Native American art styles,  Native American art symbols, modern Native American art