Q: How is Pottery made?
A: Some pottery is made from a soupy substance called ‘slip’. Slip is a clap substance that is poured into molds and allowed to air dry. Then it is referred to as ‘green ware’. It can be handled and sanded, and or painted, glazed and fired in a kiln. Another way to make pottery is to dig local clay using water kneed and roll into long strand. Then form the strand of clay into a coil and develop the shape of the pottery. Smooth it and finish as desired, then fire it – in a natural fire, kiln, or sun dry.
Q: How can one tell if a turquoise stone is real?
A: Buy form a business or individual that stands behind their products and guarantees their product. As the popularity of Native American jewelry increases, others saw a way to make money by using cheaper materials – look a likes, manmade, or conation of materials, and passing them off as genuine. As the quality of these non-genuine materials improve, it becomes harder for the uninformed and trained individual to distinguish theses materials.
Q: What does the Bear represent?
A: The Bear is the ‘Keeper’ of the west and represents the adult stage of life, sharing, protection, helper, and strength. The meaning will vary between tribes, pueblos, and locations.
Q: What is the Zia?
A: The Zia symbol represents the sun and is a Zia Pueblo religious symbol.
Q: What is the difference between Pueblo Indians and Tribes?
A: Tribes did not make permanent dwellings and Pueblo Indians did. Pueblo Indians don’t migrate and Tribe did. – They tended to follow herd animals (buffalo) for food and other needs.
Q: Why does the broken arrow mean peace?
A: When an agreement was reached between two groups that were in conflict with one another and since the Native Americans didn’t use writing, they would break a single arrow in half to represent that peace had been agreed upon between the two parties. This would bring an end to the conflict between them.
Q: Are Native Americans the same?
A: Yes and no. Yes, they’re all Native Americans, various beliefs and traditions. No, they’re not all related, nor do they have ancestral ties to one group or location.
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