Here I speak as a non-native. I am not a Native American in the sense of the inhabitants of the American continents before Columbus arrived. I am an outsider in that context. However, I find the cultures of the First Nations interesting and informative, and one of the best ways of learning about those cultures is through the objects they create. These objects speak of cultures I can only know second hand, if at all, which sometimes makes me sad. But the artifacts of any civilization speak a lot about that culture, if one knows what to look at, and i is easier to learn this meaning with cultures that still exist and function that about those which are long gone, like the ancient Phoenicians or Etruscans. So, as an outsider, let’s look at the possibilities.

Replicas of totem poles are often available in areas where First Nations make them.

Carvings: These can be made from wood or stone. On the large end of the scale are totem poles and the carved panels used to tell stories in or on lodge houses. Single log canoes and paddles were made in areas with abundant water. Potlatch bowls, some quite large, were also created by the First Nations of the Northwestern, and most of the cultures create small items from wood, as spoons, ladles and small containers. Southwestern tribes, notably the Hopi, made kachina figures (tihu) for their children to teach their traditions. Most kachinas found for sale are, interestingly enough, made by their neighbors, the Navajo. These come in various degrees of detail and sizes, including some that are made with removable masks. My favorites are about one and a half inches tall, and include a lot of the lesser known figures, like Mouse and Yellow Meteor.

Kachina figure.

Carvings from stone are usually fetishes. Figures of animals provide the owner of the fetish with the best characteristics of the animal. These carving may be adorned with other significant materials, like plant fibers or feathers. The stone of which the fetish is carved may also be significant. Learning how to judge fetishes and their meanings will require some reading.

Membre basket.

Baskets: All First Nations use the resources available in their environment to make life easier. Birch bark is easy to remove and can be used, with sap, to make waterproof containers. Baskets are woven from any vegetable material available that can be made to curve or bend, and baskets made from willow branches, most long grasses, and even pine needles are found on the market. Collecting these, if you are a stickler for authenticity, will require developing relationships with either the makers or dealers who deal directly with the makers. Get the details of who made the basket, when, when the dealer acquired it and everything else you can to help authenticate your purchase. Keep records.

Miccosukee costume.

Textiles, blankets and rugs: Here there are several possibilities. Clothing made for themselves incorporating modern materials, rugs made by the First Nations for themselves using traditional materials and methods, rugs made for tourists, blankets, which are often quilts these days, that they make for themselves, and even blankets made as trade materials by Europeans. Each are can be a rewarding area to research and then a great personal purchase when you find the one you like best.

Dream catcher.

Skins, feathers, horns: Often objects made from animals are fetishes and hold considerable power within their First Nation culture. Treated with care and respect, they are often painted or adorned with beadwork. Painted skins in the past carried the personal or tribal history. Painted or beaded bags held the personal belongings of individuals across the continent. Whether you can find such things today, made by a citizen of a First Nation, would be an interesting search.

A gourd in its dry and natural state, ready to transform into a container or rattle.

Gourds: Useful to carry fluids or other possessions, gourds are a useful and easily acquired material in almost all climates. These are quite often decorated as well, with paint, shells, porcupine quills and beads.

Oaxaca black clay pot.

Clay pots: With suitable clay available nearly everywhere south of the arctic tundra, pottery has a long history within the First Nations. Each area has developed distinctive styles and methods of production. Contemporary potters are well documented and their products easy to acquire. Pots made on other continents made in Native American styles are also readily available, so if you are trying to buy only authentic styles and examples, you will need to educate your eye.  Buying directly from the potter or community retail shop is a good first step in this regard. With the Internet, it is easier to contact potters or the first dealer to own the pottery, but you will still need to do research and keep records of your purchases.

Silver, turquoise and coral bracelet.

Jewelry: Here the First Nations excel. Using materials available locally or traded from long distances, fine work in silver, turquoise, coral, shell and other stones have been made for hundreds of years. More recently, components made in the Far East, assembled by First Nations citizens are also available. You will have to define for yourself what you will accept as First Nations jewelry: style, place of manufacture in whole, source of materials, etc. My advice here is to buy what you like and don’t worry about it. Some may think they are fooling you with “fake” Native American jewelry, but if you like it and wear it, who is the fool? Just do not pay a premium for “authentic” jewelry unless you can authenticate it with the actual maker. They are proud of their work and will do so, like any good artist.

Navajo basket maker.

Beadwork: First Nations have adorned their lives with stones, shells and porcupine quills. The introduction of glass beads gave them another material to use to produce their personal adornments. Buying beadwork from the First Nations will probably require traveling to stores near their homes where their work is produced. Given the time involved, the prices may surprise you. Since most beadwork is done for themselves, this form of First Nations collectible may be harder to find.

Basket with an animal pattern.

In all cases, if you plan to exert much time or spend much money, your first stop is the book store. Get what publications there are available in the area of your interest, then start looking around at arts and crafts fairs and Native American gatherings. Talk to people; most are happy to do so if you show real interest and some prior knowledge. Take your time in your purchases. A particular piece might gt away, but a similar one will show up later, when you may be better at judging its style, technique and quality. Fortunately, this is not a race you can lose.

Sashes

Remember: Learn first, buy later. Unless, like me, you like tourist-intended products. These tell a story as well, although it is less about the First Nations culture than about the boundary between the first nations and the outside world.

The images on this post are from Stock Xchnge.

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