Monday, October 13, 2014

Indigenous Adornment is my way

Navajo/Hopi Artist Venaya Yazzie


I adorn myself to perpetuate the legacy of my ancestors. I adorn myself for protection and happiness.
I adorn myself to continue Indigenous survival.



Santo Domingo Pueblo-style

Santo Domingo Pueblo-style earring adornemnts
Photo credit Venaya Yazzie 2014
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Speaking of Indigenous earring adornments, these pictured earrings are the newest pair I have added to my collection.

Every year, when the annual Northern Navajo Fair rolls around, Shiprock, N.M. becomes a major Indigenous trading hub. It is a divine time, when many of the areas Indigenous tribal people gather at the cultural event to celebrate their unique ways of being. It is a time when I begin my family's tradition of early a.m. trek to the Navajo reservation.

I love the 'hunt' in which I initiate the journey of discovering the most beautiful and unique Indigenous jewelry, and or earrings to add to my collection. Every year I make an effort to look for my Pueblo brothers and sisters who make their cultural jewelry pieces, and every year I find exquisite beauty!