ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Native American jewelry

Native American jewelry is made by Indigenous people from North, Central, and South America. They make jewelry using materials such as beads, stones, metals, and animal bones. These materials are important to Native American people because they connect them to their cultural heritage and history.

Beadwork is one of the most common types of jewelry-making among Native Americans. Colored beads are sewn onto leather, fabric, or other materials to make necklaces, belts, and bracelets. Many native American communities have their unique beadwork designs, which tell stories of their history and culture.

Native American jewelry also uses different types of stones such as turquoise, onyx, and coral. These stones are believed to have spiritual powers that can protect the wearer from harm. They are often set in silver, which is another popular material used in Native American jewelry. Silver is shiny and durable, making it a popular choice for creating intricate designs like animal motifs, feathers, and dreamcatchers.

Traditionally, Native American jewelry was worn for ceremonial purposes, such as weddings or religious ceremonies. But today, it has become a popular fashion accessory, worn daily by people all around the world.

In summary, Native American jewelry is made using materials like beads, stones, and silver by Indigenous people of the Americas. These pieces are created with cultural heritage and spiritual beliefs in mind and can tell stories of history and culture. They are also worn as fashion accessories today.