Native American beadwork is an art form created by indigenous peoples that has been around for centuries. There are two forms. One involves the use of a loom. The other is called applique embroidery. There's a general misconception that they only began using these pieces when European settlers arrived, when in actuality they used them prior to their arrival. They based their entire trade system on these beads and what they symbolized for each tribe. Many of them were made out of materials that the tribe had on hand.
IN MODERN TIMES
For many beadwork artists, the act of crafting beadwork is sacred, like a prayer. “Every bead is special,” I was told at the age of fourteen when I first began beading. If even a small seed bead falls on the floor, you pick it up. When I craft designs, I tend to think of the small beads as being an integral part of a larger pattern, in the same way that our lives are interconnected to each other’s, each of immeasurable worth and value.
Beadwork can be work daily, in forms such as hair clips, medallions, watches, bracelets, necklaces, and any other imaginable jewelry form. But it is most glorious when seen on a Native American dancer representing his or her tribe, history, elders, and ancestors. Beading a full regalia set for a dancer can take up to a year, depending on the size of the beads and the intricacy of the design. That’s why regalia is difficult to purchase–it takes so much time and love that people often don’t prefer to make it for those who aren’t family members or close friends. It’s simply impossible to put a price on a year’s worth of work where countless hours are invested. Yet, it is more than worth the sacrifice to see a beloved family member shine in the powwow circle as they wear your designs.
From the We R Native organization WEBSITE