Native American Cherokee tribe

  

Cherokee traditional garments have been passed down through the centuries as a kind of art. Native to the South-eastern United States, the Cherokee people have a rich cultural legacy that is reflected in their traditional jewellery.

Silver, copper, bone, and shell are just a few of the widely accessible natural elements used to make Cherokee ornaments. To produce distinctive and lovely items, these materials are frequently mixed with other components like beads, feathers, and leather. The utilisation of elaborate motifs that are indicative of the Cherokee culture is one of the most distinguishing characteristics of Cherokee jewellery. For instance, numerous animals and flora that are significant to the Cherokee way of life, as well as the four cardinal directions (north, south, east, and west), are frequently shown in Cherokee jewellery.

 

The spiritual significance is also another thing that makes it so important to them. Cherokee garments/jewellery is frequently made for ceremonial uses, including weddings, funerals, and other significant occasions. These objects are thought to have spiritual power and frequently have specific meanings. The Cherokee also wears rings, earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and other pieces of jewellery. These items frequently include distinctive designs and dexterous beadwork that pay homage to Cherokee culture. Both the Cherokee people and the general public have recently developed a renewed interest in Cherokee traditional customs
. Numerous Cherokee artisans are producing stunning and distinctive jewellery with traditional designs as well as contemporary elements.

 Overall, Cherokee cultural jewellery plays a significant role in the preservation of this heritage. It is a beautiful and meaningful art form that is still practised today thanks to its distinctive designs and use of organic materials.

References

American Indian Originals (2010) Cherokee Indian traditional beadwork jewelry. Available at: http://americanindianoriginals.com/cherokee.html

 Cherokee Jewelers and Artists (no date) Cherokee, NC. Available at: https://visitcherokeenc.com/cherokee-jewelry