A New Day

It is difficult to emphasize the cultural and historical impact of jewelry over time. During prehistoric times people adorned themselves with items found in their environment such as shells to signify fertility and motherhood. On the other hand, many cultures used coveted precious stones and gems as jewelry to be considered a status symbol and only the very affluent wore it.

During the pre-colonization era of United States, Indigenous populations were without a written language so they used the visual display of jewelry worn as a form of communication and expression.  The art form of making jewelry has been handed down to succeeding generations as in post-colonial times, cultural identity became an important aspect of personal and tribal survival. The layered and rich stories that American/Alaskan Indian jewelry gives rise to is particularly meaningful as many tribes were forced to convert to Christianity and the U.S. government shamefully prohibited the practice of indigenous spirituality.      

While I am not of Alaskan/Native American Indian heritage, I am most inspired by the beautiful and unique jewelry of these cultures.  

With that being said (or written) these beautiful earrings are available on Etsy.