American Indian crafts are suitable for display and play.
The Iroquois tribe of American Indians settled in New York state but traveled and relocated to Ohio around 1650 to hunt on animal-rich turf. The name "Iroquois" was derived from a French word meaning "snake," which the Huron tribe bestowed upon the once self-titled Haudenosaunee tribe. The Iroquois Indians created a range of decorated crafts, clothing and useful tools that are mimicked for their beauty in modern craft projects.
Cornhusk Dolls
Iroquois children were given dolls as toy from their parents, and oftentimes the doll was constructed of cornhusks. Most dolls were adorned with clothing, beads, fur and jewelry, and sometimes Iroquois mothers personalized cornhusk dolls with their own hair. Creating cornhusk dolls as a school project is hands-on way to help students learn about Iroquois culture. Twist pieces of cornhusk into two long braids to act as arms and legs. Tie large knots in a piece of cornhusk for the head and body, and drape those sections with an additional husk. String the braids through the midsection and bottom. Add yarn for hair and cut Indian-theme fabric for clothing.
Masks
The Iroquois tribe carved masks from wood for use in dancing, spiritual ceremonies and storytelling. Recreating an Iroquois mask does not require advanced wood-carving techniques because a clay mask can depict similar shapes. Use oven-bake clay and mold it into a face shape. Cut out eyes and bake the clay until it is hard. Paint designs on the face of the mask and consider adding hair made of twine.
Beadwork
The Iroquois used intricate beadwork to create designs and shapes with vibrant colors to decorate clothing, jewelry and tools. Tribe members would attach the beadwork to leather after it was completed because leather was an abundant resource and it helped hold the beadwork shape. String beads on layers of fine string to develop a pattern and tie the string ends so beads do not come loose. Sew or glue the beadwork to a piece of leather and either display the beadwork as art or attach the leather to clothing or accessories.
Headdress
Headdresses worn by Iroquois men were called gustoweh and held large eagle feathers, which represented a specific branch of Iroquois tribe. Modern headdress crafts work well in American Indian artifact displays and for school plays and projects involving American Indian tribes. Place the bottom of large feathers along the inside of a leather head strap. Glue or sew them in place. Decorate the outside of the head strap with American Indian images.
Related posts
Fringed clothing and bright patterns define Native American dress.Native American crafts range from dream catchers to leather bracelets. Celebratory occasions in Native American cultures also requ...
Teach children to relive Native American culture through their creativity during arts and crafts projects. Before European colonization, Native American tribes relied on canoeing and horseback rid...
Combine your Christmas traditions with a lesson in Native American history.While the indigenous Native American populations did not normally celebrate Christmas, the interaction with early colonia...
The culture of Native American tribes is rich and varied and you can learn to appreciate and understand this diversity through easy Native American Indian crafts. Making dream catchers, beading an...
A dreamcatcher is only one of the crafts made by the Native Americans.Native Americans were prominent in Illinois. In fact, the name of the state itself is from the Miami word "Iliniwek,"...
