The stunning blue-green mineral called turquoise has been around for thousands of years as jewelry, talismans, masks, and much more. One of the most culturally rich chapters in the history of turquoise is that of Native American Indian Turquoise Jewelry. The beautiful mineral has been used as a crucial component in Southwestern Native American cultures for many years.
A Brief History of Native American Indian Turquoise Jewelry
Native American Indian Turquoise Jewelry has been made in the Southwestern United States by the following cultures: Hopi, Apache, Navajo, and Zuni. Turquoise was a common addition to jewelry made by Native Americans in the 1800s.
Heishe necklaces are one of the earliest forms of Native American Indian Turquoise Jewelry and were created for use in trade. They consist of a thin slab or turquoise rolled around a shell to create a bead. Fetishes made with turquoise were another popular form of Native American Indian Turquoise Jewelry. They were thought to be objects that held power over others.
The Culture of Native American Indian Turquoise Jewelry
Along with its significant history, Native American Indian Turquoise Jewelry has a rich cultural background. Native American Turquoise Jewelry was originally made to be worn by both men and women in the Southwestern United States for ornamental purposes generally in the form of necklaces. Over time, Native American Indian Turquoise Jewelry grew to be used in other formats including ceremonial masks and mixed media designs including animal teeth.
Where is Native American Indian Turquoise Jewelry Made?
The majority of Native American Indian Turquoise Jewelry today is made in Arizona at two famous mines each offering a unique color and quality. The first mine is called the Sleeping Beauty Mine and is located in Globe, Arizona. The second is located in Kingman, Arizona and called the Kingman Mine.
Some of the oldest mines in the United States are located in New Mexico and a few of them are still operational today. In addition, Native American Indian Turquoise Jewelry is made from mines in Colorado, California and Nevada.
Native American Indian Turquoise Jewelry Today
Today, Native American Indian Turquoise Jewelry is popular not just among Native Americans but among a diverse variety of people. Turquoise necklaces, bracelets, rings, and earrings are commonly given as gifts for birthdays, graduations, holidays, and other various celebrations.
Native American Indian Turquoise Jewelry is not only beautiful to behold but it also has a rich history making it a truly touching gift to give or piece to wear which is why Native American Indian Turquoise Jewelry continues to grow in popularity.