Five Beautiful Things

Native American Art

 

This week, the two nations that comprise the vast majority of North America’s vast continent will celebrate birthdays. Both Canada and the United States have existed as sovereign nations for centuries. Canada turned 147 on July 1 and the U.S. celebrates its 239th on July 4. But long before there were any European settlers on these lands, nevermind national borders, there were Native American tribes. From the Navajo to the Haida, from the Lakota to the Inuit of the far north, our two nations share a relationship – one that has been tested and sometimes very painful – with a multitude of indigenous tribes and generations of families who have lived on these lands for thousands of years.

 

I have always been fascinated by Native American lore and legend, which is best expressed through their beautiful stories of creation and through their highly-symbolic artwork and carvings. Each tribe expresses its cultural genesis artistically, demonstrating a rich and reverential respect for the natural world – something I believe our modern Western culture is in serious danger of losing – through visual metaphor and iconography. For a good review of Native American art and culture, click here. Below are five Native American artworks and carvings that reveal the strength of their cultures’ beauty.