Learn about the traditional and contemporary Native American bracelet.

Native American Bracelet

Archaeological evidence throughout the ages and around the world tells us that boys and girls, men and women, seem to have worn bracelets almost forever. Surely there are many reasons for adorning our bodies with jewelry and bracelets are no exception. Perhaps reasons for wearing the bracelets are as varied as the materials used to make them.

On this continent, the materials historically used to make Native American bracelets were gleaned from the natural materials that were indigenous to the areas of settlement. Rocks and wood were often carved into beads or figures which were attached to bracelets as amulets for blessing and protection.

Shells gathered from the lakeshores and riverbanks inland were frequently fashioned into jewelry, including many Native American bracelets. People living along the seashore used them in similar ways. Sometimes they were simple, with just a hole drilled into them for stringing, but sometimes they were elaborately carved.

Teeth from animals were often affixed to a Native American bracelet to represent the totem, or protective spirit, of the animal associated with the wearer of the bracelet. Often an animal spirit was named as a baby’s protective and spiritual guide and the child wore amulets representing this animal for the rest of his or her life.

Women would often be presented with a Native American bracelet at important times of passage in her life, such as reaching physical maturity, betrothal, and marriage. Many tribal women received bracelets to commemorate the birth of each of her children or to mark her husband’s battle record. In some tribal cultures, it was a common practice to bury a person with the important jewelry he or she cherished during life.

It’s likely that many men wore Native American bracelets, too, to honor their passages through life. It is also believed their bracelets may have been used as armor, protecting their forearms during battle, and then again to record the victories they enjoyed.

Today, there are many people who wear bracelets similar to the traditional Native American bracelet. The fashion trend inspired by the Native American culture is very popular and seems to enjoy a prominent place in the world of fashion from year to year.

There’s another bracelet that has only recently become one worn commonly. This is the medic-alert bracelet, notifying emergency medical personnel to underlying health conditions in case the wearer is unable to communicate effectively. There is a very high rate of diabetes and heart disease in the Native American community. It could be a life-saving adornment if more people of tribal origin adopted this type of bracelet as an important Native American bracelet that is worn every day.

Please send any comments directly to the author, Joseph Paige.




	Native American Bracelet Archaeological evidence throughout the ages and around the world tells us that boys and girls, men and women, seem to have worn bracelets almost forever. Surely there are many reasons for adorning our bodies with jewelry and bracelets are no exception. Perhaps reasons for wearing the bracelets are as varied as the materials used to make them. On this continent, the materials historically used to make Native American bracelets were gleaned from the natural materials that were indigenous to the areas of settlement. Rocks and wood were often carved into beads or figures which were attached to bracelets as amulets for blessing and protection. <A class="APCAnchor" HREF="http://affiliates.allposters.com/link/redirect.asp?AID=484737&PSTID=5&LTID=16&lang=1">Buy Posters at AllPosters.com </A> Shells gathered from the lakeshores and riverbanks inland were frequently fashioned into jewelry, including many Native American bracelets. People living along the seashore used them in similar ways. Sometimes they were simple, with just a hole drilled into them for stringing, but sometimes they were elaborately carved. Teeth from animals were often affixed to a Native American bracelet to represent the totem, or protective spirit, of the animal associated with the wearer of the bracelet. Often an animal spirit was named as a baby’s protective and spiritual guide and the child wore amulets representing this animal for the rest of his or her life. Women would often be presented with a Native American bracelet at important times of passage in her life, such as reaching physical maturity, betrothal, and marriage. Many tribal women received bracelets to commemorate the birth of each of her children or to mark her husband’s battle record. In some tribal cultures, it was a common practice to bury a person with the important jewelry he or she cherished during life. It’s likely that many men wore Native American bracelets, too, to honor their passages through life. It is also believed their bracelets may have been used as armor, protecting their forearms during battle, and then again to record the victories they enjoyed. Today, there are many people who wear bracelets similar to the traditional Native American bracelet. The fashion trend inspired by the Native American culture is very popular and seems to enjoy a prominent place in the world of fashion from year to year. There’s another bracelet that has only recently become one worn commonly. This is the medic-alert bracelet, notifying emergency medical personnel to underlying health conditions in case the wearer is unable to communicate effectively. There is a very high rate of diabetes and heart disease in the Native American community. It could be a life-saving adornment if more people of tribal origin adopted this type of bracelet as an important Native American bracelet that is worn every day. Please send any comments directly to the author, Joseph Paige. ©opyright 2007 \|\| SenecaIndians.net
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