Native American Figurines

Native Americans are proficient in creating beautiful jewelry, blankets, and figurines. These figurines often have a symbolic meaning, and each tribe has its own unique style, whether it is the type of materials used to make the sculpture, or what the figure itself stands for. Animals played a big role in the use of Native American sculptures. Bears, eagles, fish, and horses are very common and each one has its own spiritual meaning. Faces and human figures were also common, and the humans were usually in some sort of stance, whether it be working, fighting, or dancing.

Hopi and Kachina dolls were made by the Hopi & Zuni tribes, and are considered to be symbols of good luck. They are also known to help ward off evil spirits in times of distress. These figurines are often made of roots, wood, beads, and leather as well as feathers and stones for adornment. Of course, totem poles are some of the most well known Native American figurines. These tall sculptures represent a tribe's heritage and family members, and were created to show other tribes their status.

The Adobe tribe liked to make figurines from clay. This pottery could take the shape of all kinds of things, ranging from frogs to men. Tribal art takes many forms, including food and drinking vessels, masks, and even weapons. All of the Native American figurines have meaning, whether it is to express feelings experienced from a bloody battle, threaten an enemy through different symbols and color, or to simply provide beauty. Sometimes the figurines are a tribute to the animals that roamed the land and provided food and warmth. Every tribe had its own meaning behind the figurines, and they made a deep mark on our history through their expression and beauty.