Native American Beadwork (North America) Native American beadwork is a vibrant, deeply symbolic craft practiced across tribes—from Plains peyote stitch to Iroquois raised floral designs. Before European contact, artisans used shells, bones, and quills; glass beads arrived via trade in the 17th century, revolutionizing expression. Beads are sewn onto leather, cloth, or birch bark to create regalia, moccasins, cradleboards, and ceremonial items. Patterns convey tribal identity, spiritual beliefs, and personal stories: thunderbirds for power, turtles for creation, floral motifs for resilience. Women often lead this tradition, passing skills through generations as acts of cultural preservation. During forced assimilation eras, beadwork became quiet resistance—keeping language and cosmology alive through thread. Today, contemporary Indigenous artists blend tradition with modern themes, addressing identity and sovereignty. Far from “craft,” it’s visual storytelling with political and spiritual weight. Each bead, meticulously placed, honors ancestors and asserts presence—proving that even the smallest element, strung with intention, can carry the weight of a people’s history and hope.
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