This page from American Indian Design and Decoration by Le Roy H. Appleton shows some interesting design interpretations. Many of them relate to pottery, baskets, rugs and figures/statues. But we do see some carryover into Native American jewelry.
We often see the clouds, rain and lightning stamped on jewelry and inlaid into jewelry and fetishes.
The abstract step like designs are often called blanket patterns or mesas but here the steps are used as part of birds and exit trail of life.
Do you have any of these symbols on your jewelry?
Following are :
BIRDS – Note they have similar types of heads but one bird’s body is comprised of steps.
CORN – A general design that could be used in weaving and beading.
EXIT TRAIL OF LIFE – Note that there is a break in the line above the design. This is the exit. Pottery and other handmade items are thought to be beings so it is with great respect that an exit is always left by the artist for the being. The line around a pot, for example, is never continuous.
CLOUD SERPENTS – Could these be Ancient Aliens?
Very interesting
Thank you. Reminds me of Hieroglyphics which I am trying to study now ( slow going)
Only your stuff looks more like the things they are supposed to be and without the letters
Georgia
Yes, I am finding that even the most abstract design which seems to just be for design sake has an origin of a plant or animal or something in nature.
Hi,
I have a rather unique necklace signed Arti in sterling and was wondering if you have heard of the artist. Made around 1997.
I sent you a reply via email asking for a photo.
Paula, I am not getting Native American Jewelry Tips as this point. Will you send them to me? We have gone through constant ISP changes – one of which are good!!!!! Norma Adams.
Hi Norma,
Just go to the right hand column of the home page of the blog and click on the Subscribe button that says “Sign me up”. I can’t subscribe for you. Paula