There are over 500 Native American tribes.
Native American cultures are very diverse, and most tribes have their own style of regalia---traditional clothing---for ceremonial occasions. For example, Northwest coast regalia can include robes woven from mountain goat wool, while plains tribal regalia can include elaborate feather headdresses. You can make inexpensive Native American regalia crafts by substituting less-expensive materials than those with which traditional regalia is usually made.
Native American Choker
To make an inexpensive Native American choker, use plastic beads, yarn instead of sinew, and cardboard instead of leather. Materials include: 12 slender 1-1/2" white cylindrical beads, 102 plastic pony beads, 3 28-inch long lengths of yarn, and 3/4" x 1-1/2" piece cardboard. Cut the cardboard into 3 strips 1/4" wide and poke 3 holes in each, evenly spaced apart to make spacers. Tie a knot 8 inches from one end using all three yarn strands. Thread on a spacer so that one strand goes through each hole. Next, thread 4 pony beads, 1 oval bead, and 3 pony beads on each strand, add another spacer, then thread 3 pony beads, 1 oval bead, and 10 pony beads on each strand. Except for the last 7 beads, repeat in reverse order. When finished, tie another knot again using all yarn strands.
Tlingit Bear Ears Hat
You can make a simple Tlingit regalia hat for a child using felt---or construction paper---in blue, black, or red, scissors and glue. Measure the child's head and add 4" for overlap. Draw a strip the measured length and about 6" wide on the felt or paper. On one edge, draw two half circles about 3" each side of center for the bear ears. Decorate as desired, cut out the hat and staple the overlapped ends together.
Parfleche
Native American rawhide or parfleche storage containers are traditionally made from buffalo or elk. These containers come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, including large flat folded "envelopes" with tie-down flaps. You can make an inexpensive parfleche from a brown paper bag and paint it with a Native American design. Cut a rectangle 2-1/4 times the length that you want your parfleche. Fold the rectangle to the size you want, staple the edges and fold the remaining paper down over the opening to form a flap. Cut the flap so that it is triangular with a center point. Use crayons to color a geometric design on the parfleche. Decorate the sides with yarn braids and add a yarn tie to the flap.
Basket Hat
Basket hats, the most common type of Native American headdress west of the Rocky Mountains, are made by different tribes in various shapes and styles. You can make a basket hat by painting a design on a tightly woven straw hat, for example, with a conical shape. Thrift stores are a good place to look for an inexpensive hat. First, clean the hat well with warm soapy water and let dry. Draw your chosen Native American design on the hat with pencil. Paint the design with acrylic paint.
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