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The language that we hear our mother speak shapes our thought patterns. That's why, even if we don't currently use a language in day-to-day life, the original language we hear is called our mother tongue. Even if we are once removed from a language, it still can shape our thought patterns and worldview. I was visiting once with a friend of mine who, at the time, was in his early 60's. He is a full-blooded Shoshone man and he was lamenting that he didn't speak his language. When I asked him what

I've spent a lifetime in and around the jewelry business. From the time I was born, I have always lived with a silversmith, first with my father, and now with my husband. Over the years, I have had many opportunities to watch, learn and absorb the process of creating and acquiring jewelry. Here are some things I've observed and learned: Observation: People who decide quickly, love their jewelry the best and longestLesson: When selecting jewelry, go with your gut and choose from the heart.Observa

As I sit here writing this, my boss, the owner of Alltribes, Mr. Richard Candy, is participating in a live auction on his computer in the office I share with him. I personally can’t understand what the auctioneer is saying, but Mr. Candy apparently speaks that language. It got me wondering about the history of auctions. Auctions are a big part of Country and Western heritage and culture. Where I grew up, on the Navajo Nation, every year all the big trading posts, like Hubbell's, would hold

Bronze is an alloy of copper and tin originally used for tools and weapons during the Bronze Age. The art of bronze sculptures dates back thousands of years. The earliest known bronze statue thought to have been created for artistic purposes is named “Dancing Girl”. Discovered in what is now Pakistan in 1926, this 4-inch-tall statue depicts a slender girl, nude, that dates back to at least 2500 BC. The lost wax casting method was used, which, at that time, consisted of sculpting the f

Zuni fetish carvings are an iconic part of Native American artistry, particularly from the Zuni tribe. These small crafted figures are more than just decorative objects—they embody centuries of tradition, spiritual significance, and connection to nature. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the fascinating world of Zuni fetish carvings, their materials, purpose, meaning, and how they have evolved over time. Fetish carvings are small, often animal-shaped sculptures carved from various materials. T