Native American Dance Sticks In Tribal Ceremonies
Craft making for Native Americans is a very diverse and rich aspect of their lives. It is part of traditions and rituals and represents spirituality and power. This article will provide a brief look at Native American dance sticks and how these essential tools are important aspects of the Native American society.
These interesting dance sticks combine culture and craft making. They are traditionally used by the bravest of the tribe, the warriors, who dance in important events like tribal ceremonies to symbolize the strength and power of the brave warrior.
Of the various ways dance sticks are constructed,their symbolism of the mighty warrior is often portrayed through an animal form. Often, the thunderbird, horses, bears, elks and deer are used. Dance sticks are normally made using feathers, leather fringe, beautiful beadwork and animal hide.
The Native American dance stick is a good representation of the skilled craftmanship of these tribal people. They represent a lot of work. A genuine artifact of this type can often sell for over a hundred dollars. How wonderful it is to be a part of the Native American people and to understand how connected they are to their environment.
Nothing shows the kinship of the Native American warrior and nature any better than the use of an animal figure. By applying the dimensions of animals to exemplify the ability and courage of the warrior, one could ascertain the extreme link of Native American civilization to the day by day lives, routines and processes of the people. Many elements representing the environment are used and fall into catagories of plant, animal and mineral kingdoms. How the warrior is connected to the environment and his surroundings, is shown by the harmony and spiritual energy of the three kingdoms.
As time passes, the Native American dance stick has grown in popularity. There is a lot that can be learned about the Native American tribes when one stops to observe the carving, structure, use of color and materials on these unique dance sticks.
When buying a dance stick, one should pay close attention to the details to ensure authenticity. Sometimes, because of the continuous commercialization and mass production, fake Native American dance sticks with low quality materials are being sold as authentic. Purchasing an authentic dance stick requires one to be cautious or enlisting the help of a professional in the field.