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Article: Native American ornaments deck your tree with history. (Illustration)
- Article from:
- Sunset
- Article date:
- December 1, 1993
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 1993 Sunset Publishing Corp. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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This gathering of handmade ornaments has many tales to tell. Crafted by Native American artists--from the frozen tundra of Alaska to the arid expanses of northern Mexico--the ornaments evoke the West's history with an intriguing blend of symbolism, shapes, and textures. Some are versions of everyday household items, scaled down or adapted for display on Christmas trees. Others have spiritual meanings. The artists have signed many of their pieces.
The materials and design used in each ornament reflect its origin and the tribe of the artist. Alaskan Eskimos often use fur or other materials from the gray seal, a diet staple. Colorful beadwork decorates the ornaments.
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