News — History
The Importance of Turquoise in Native American Culture
Posted by Olivia Morrow on
Turquoise is a popular gemstone that has been used in jewelry for centuries. However, its significance and value are different among various cultures. One of the cultures long associated with turquoise is the Native Americans. Turquoise has been mined for more than 2,000 years, and it is believed to have originated from Iran. However, the stone's history with Native American culture began around 200 CE, when the Ancestral Puebloans (Anasazi) used it for ceremonial purposes. They made intricate turquoise mosaics and inlay jewelry pieces that were often used for religious rituals. In the 14th century, Native American tribes such as...
Trading Posts in the American Southwest
Posted by David Steed on
The American Southwest trading post has a rich and fascinating history that is deeply intertwined with the region's unique cultural and economic development. The trading post emerged in the late 19th century as a result of the growing demand for goods and services in the Southwest, particularly among the Native American communities. At that time, the Southwest was a vast and sparsely populated region, with few towns or settlements. The arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s, however, brought a surge of new people and commerce to the area, and with it came the trading post. These early trading...
- Tags: History
The Rich History Of Navajo Rugs and Weaving
Posted by David Steed on
Navajo rugs are a type of textile that has a rich history and cultural significance in the Navajo Nation, a sovereign Native American territory in the southwestern United States. These rugs are traditionally handwoven by Navajo women using a vertical loom and a variety of natural fibers, such as wool from sheep and goats. The history of Navajo rugs dates back to the 17th century when the Spanish introduced sheep to the region, and Navajo weavers began incorporating wool into their traditional weaving techniques. Over time, Navajo rugs became highly valued as trade items and as expressions of Navajo culture...