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Turquoise is a sacred stone that has been prized for hundreds of years for its beautiful blue-green color and mystical healing properties by Native Americans. It is a precious stone that is seen in several pieces of Native Indian jewelry and is traded in markets around the world.
The members of Navajo, Zuni, Hopi, and Pueblo have created and are still using turquoise in their vibrant jewelry – be it necklaces, cuff bracelets, and earrings, due to prehistoric myths. Not only the stone was valued by Native American Indians for carvings and jewelry, but also by Ancient Egyptians as exquisite turquoise adornments were discovered in tombs.
Different Shades of Turquoise
Ranging from dramatic blue to greenish-yellow – the color of turquoise shows a wide span of beautiful palettes. However, intense blue is the most prized color and very hard to find naturally in nature. The finest color of turquoise was found in Persia in ancient times, but in the later 1800s, miners unearthed Aztec mines in southeastern Arizona and the western United States. Today, the finest specimens of turquoise are found in Nevada and Arizona, while the United States being the largest producer of gem-quality turquoise stone. This precious stone gets beautiful colors depending on the concentration of metal present in it. Turquoise that is green in color, for instance, has a higher concentration of iron.
Turquoise Symbolism
The Indians of Native America believe that turquoise creates a direct connection with the sky. As the stone possesses healing powers, it is used in the sacred bundles of medicine men. According to legends of the Aztecs, people rejoice and dance when the rains come, and their tears of joy mix with the rainwater, the earth soak it to create the ‘sky stone’. Turquoise is a symbol of protection, truth, and courage. According to Native Americans, the person who wears the stone is protected from harm, especially when fighting battles, while animals carry the rider safely and prevent falling off.
For centuries, this precious stone has been treasured for its natural beauty and the power of healing. If you are looking for Navajo Indian art on jewelry, Navajo-Artist is the best place to explore.
The importance of keeping cultures alive stems from the need to preserve the identity of a people. As a culture fades away, so does an entire people. Imagine not knowing your heritage, once popular holiday traditions, customary dance forms and art, family recipes served on special occasions, and more. If we don’t keep our traditions alive and let our past die out, we won’t have anything to pass on to the young generations. The Native American population is less than two percent of America’s population today. We must give our young a heritage to carry on. What better way than art to make that happen? From Native American coffee mugs to Navajo inspired jewelry, the canvas for art is wide and popular.
The struggle to keep the Native American culture alive requires our attention. Cultural preservation will ensure their rich heritage lives on. By keeping the culture alive, the young members of the community will learn the respectful and peaceful ways of their forefathers. Learning the language of their community will allow them to connect with their past better and guide them to restore the ways of their people.
Through stories
Listening to stories of the elders from the Navajo community will surely help the younger member of the community find their place in the world. We should explore pathways that allow the older generation to pass on valuable customs and traditions to the next generation. The stories tell them how their people were, their ways, and most importantly teach them to be compassionate, generous, and brave like their ancestors. Stories are a great way to reinforce values and a lost way of life.
Through art
Art speaks in ways that connect people with their past like nothing else. After all, looking at art closely is like familiarizing oneself with the soul of the artist. Native Americans gave expression to their values, fears, legends, and more through art, consisting of various themes and an exuberant color pattern. The abstract and aesthetic representation of their art on craft and canvas attracts attention and develops curiosity to know the past. A coffee mug is a perfect canvas for traditional art. If you have seen Navajo Indian art on coffee mugs, you would agree! Embracing Native American art is akin to keeping a peoples’ heritage alive.
If you are passionate about art and are keen to explore Navajo art, NAVAJO ARTIST will not disappoint you. Check out our vivid collection of Native American coffee mugs.
Hunting for a present for someone special? Or did you forget that it’s your colleague’s birthday and have no clue about his likes and dislikes? Well, you can never go wrong with Native American coffee mugs!
Regardless of whether it’s Christmas, a friend’s birthday, an anniversary, or you just feel like surprising someone, mugs are god-gifted solutions for those who can never decide on what to gift to people they love! Not only are everyday mugs pleasing to the eyes, but they are also extremely useful. What’s more, you can actually walk the extra mile to select a Navajo coffee mug that’s one in a million (instead of hurriedly opting for a plain white mug) to remind them that your loved ones are unique and special!
So, stop browsing the internet for a gifting solution and place your bets on a pretty Navajo art inspired mug. After all, no one can have enough beautiful mugs at home! If you are still on the fence about it, then we’re here to convince you that it’s a gift like no other:
1) You make their mornings better!
We don’t know about others, but we love our morning coffee a lot. Take that away from us and we will be left extremely grumpy, angry, and irritated.
Similarly, there are millions of people out there who simply can’t function without their morning caffeine shot and there is a high chance that those you know also fall in this category. So, don’t you want to make their lives easier by gifting them a mug for a drink that they need so badly?
2) Native American coffee mugs are affordable
It’s difficult to find gifts quickly that are meaningful and durable if you have a tight budget. Thankfully, unlike other gifts that require you to empty your wallets, all our mugs are between the price range of $12-14. Since they are so affordable, you can also stack up a few mugs in different styles and designs so that you do not have to hunt for gifts at the last moment every single time.
3) There is a story behind the art
Navajo Indian art on our coffee mugs are not random, mundane scribbles. Most of the designs behold layers of meanings or have artistic representations of objects that the Native American tribe holds dear. Many coffee mugs also have imprinted artworks that follow styles perfected over decades by Navajo artists. Therefore, these coffee mugs are not just everyday objects; they are also beautiful pieces of art.
4) Coffee mugs are great for work
There is a reason why Swedes take coffee breaks at work seriously. They have a term for it — fika. But it’s so much more than a word; it’s a social institution in itself where employees slow down and socialize over coffee for a short time. Not only do these breaks freshen them up, but it also strengthens bonds between colleagues. So, next time you are looking for gifts for a workaholic, present them with a mug and explain the concept of ‘fika’ to them!
In addition to this, if your friend starts chugging coffee whenever there are multiple deadlines to meet, then he will love you for gifting him a coffee mug! Not only will the Navajo Indian art on the coffee mugs make for amazing conversation starters on his first day at work, but it will also power him through those unbearable Mondays that have back-to-back meetings.
Looking for Navajo coffee mugs to gift to people you care about? Browse through Navajo Artist’s amazing collection today!
Any conversation about art will be incomplete without mentioning Navajo artists and the artwork they bring to life on different canvases. The beautiful elements of this Native American Indian art are not only mesmerizing to look at but also fill you with a sense of hope and goodness. If you want to explore Navajo art in all its glory, we advise you to look for an authentic online gallery by Navajo artists. Trust us, you would not be disappointed! To be an art enthusiast, you don’t have to frequent a traditional gallery. You have a lot of options to browse through sitting in the comfort of your home.
Cyberspace has emerged as the easiest and smartest platform to explore and indulge in art. You get to browse, auction, sell and obviously buy artwork from the most renowned artists from around the world. If Navajo art and history is something that enthralls and excites you, you would be happy to know that there are some American Indian art galleries that showcase their collection online. Navajo rugs and even jewelry are quite popular but did you know artists specializing in Navajo art have brought the intricate elements and colorful patterns of the art form to life on coffee mugs, wallets, and coin purses among other things.
The possibility of being duped by fake art pieces is also minimal as you would mostly be dealing directly with artists. Many artists have personal websites where they put their workup. Many auction houses also have online galleries where quality artwork of well-known artists is exhibited. These online galleries are visited by art connoisseurs from across the world which not only gives an amazing exposure to artists, old and new but also promotes and propagates a world where art is appreciated. Search for American Indian art galleries and the internet will open up a whole new world for you!
If you want authentic Navajo art pieces that have been beautifully given a contemporary twist, it will be worth your time to explore an online gallery by Navajo artists. The exquisite collection at NAVAJO ARTIST will surely fascinate you. Do check us out.
Basketry has, for hundreds of years, been an integral part of Navajo life and culture. The traditional weaving patterns and designs are even found in modern art and craft as well as contemporary products such as mugs and wallets. Given the significance that this particular art form holds for the Navajo people, it may surprise you to know it was the monumental efforts of one woman and her community that catapulted basketry into its present sought-after form.
When the rich Navajo tradition of basketry began to die out in the 20th century, the only few baskets in the market were made solely to appeal to tourists. This is when, in a remote part of the Navajo Nation, families of the isolated Douglas Mesa community heralded an artistic revolution. Mary Holiday Black was one of the Navajo artists who felt that they needed to not just appeal to the interests of the tourists who bought their baskets but also tend to their own community’s artistic senses. This would allow them to keep their tradition alive while continuing with the trade. The artists gradually began to modify their weaving, creating new designs, and altering the use of colors and even the shape and scale of the baskets. These modern touches to this traditional art found encouragement from both buyers and traders of Navajo art.
Black also started experimenting with natural plant-based dyes. She even created smaller and oversized jug shaped baskets, which were the likes of something the Navajo people had never seen before. Slowly, she incorporated traditional rug designs in her ts’aa’, even using sacred symbols and patterns, creating a harmonious blend of two time-honored art forms. This marked the beginning of a new and more modern tradition of Navajo basketry, which came to be known as the Story Baskets.
Black’s influence on modern Navajo basketry has been unmatched. Her courage and determination to steer away from tradition continue to inspire not just present-day weavers but also other Navajo artists. The modern basketry designs crafted by her are still present in today’s crafts and art pieces.
If you wish to learn more about Navajo art and craft, make sure you check out our other blog posts. Browse through our online store to discover a selection of products made by native Navajo artists.
Picking out the perfect outfit may be a task but most women would agree to decide what jewelry goes with the ensemble is pretty daunting as well. Choosing from an array of styles, colors, and design is not a cakewalk, and ladies, we totally agree. While having choices is a virtue, too many of them are simply problematic! The right kind of jewelry potentially adds character to any attire. Some prefer to keep it minimal, others like going over the top. The trick is to keep it occasion appropriate. Native American beaded necklaces are fit for almost all occasions. They instantly make you look chic and stylish.
As the jewelry is the staple of any ensemble, it is crucial that you accessorize right with every outfit. Here are some tips that will surely help you mix and match perfectly:
- Always remember to go minimal with jewelry when you put on an outfit that is rich in prints. Loud pieces of jewelry make the ensemble look gaudy. Consider statement bracelets and watches instead! Navajo beaded bracelets would be perfect.
- A statement neckpiece says a lot about your personality. If you are an art connoisseur or have an interest in history and culture, Navajo jewelry will beautifully define your personality. The Native American beaded necklaces look impeccable and enhance the aesthetic of even the simplest of attires.
- Occasion appropriate jewelry is a must! After all, you wouldn’t like to be frowned upon by colleagues with your wrist danglers making a lot of noise while you type away. So, you may as well skip bangles. Stick to an elegant pair of earrings instead. Putting on a watch helps too. Do not wear anything that is too shiny to the Sunday mass, reserve them for the clubs!
- Diamonds are definitely a girl’s best friend but for days you feel like skipping the stone just put on a Navajo art inspired necklace or bracelet. In fact, Navajo beaded bracelet with a touch of modernity makes for an alluring piece of jewelry.
If you want to give an interesting twist to your jewelry, consider Navajo inspired pieces. At NAVAJO ARTIST, we carry a stunning collection of Native American beaded necklaces and bracelets.
