Native American Carved Stone Fetishes and Their Meanings
Native American Indians have used stone fetishes throughout recorded history; particularly those of the Southwest. These stone fetishes represent the spirits of animals or the forces of nature and are most often used in an effort to master the arbitrary and... Read more
Native American Carved Stone Fetishes: A Primer
Native Americans have created and used carved stone fetishes throughout recorded history; particularly those residing in the Southwest. A fetish is an object, typically carved of stone, rock, or antler, that is believed to have special powers. Fetishes... Read more
Native American Ceremonies and Symbolism: Fascinating Tidbits
Throughout history, Native Americans have placed high regard on symbolism, ceremonies, and preserving tradition and culture. Here, we outline just a few samples of some interesting stories and symbols from several Native American cultures, pueblos and tribes.... Read more
Native American Pottery of Today
When we say “Native American Pottery,” we usually mean pieces made by Pueblo Native American peoples and by the Navajo. Although other tribes practice the art, that of these specific groups are best known. While one tribe often adapts certain... Read more
Pueblo Native American Pottery and its Defining Characteristics
Here at Palms, when we say “Native American Pottery,” we usually mean pottery made by the Pueblo Indians. Although other tribes practice the art, that of the Pueblos is best known. While one pueblo often adapts certain features from a neighbor, each has its... Read more
Pueblo Pottery: Real, Faux, or Damaged? Six Tips from Expert Guy Berger
It isn’t always easy to tell if Pueblo pottery is real, damaged or a knockoff. Faux and poorly made Pueblo pots are sometimes sold to unsuspecting consumers in stores, and other venues. With that in mind, how does a collector know if the pottery has a crack... Read more
Significant Symbols of Southwest Art
Symbols are an integral part of all cultures. Whether we think about symbols tied to religion, literature, poetry, architecture, ethnicity or art, each has a special and important significance. Symbols convey a specific and unique meaning that is of the utmost... Read more
Squash Blossom Necklace FAQs
Navajo squash blossom necklaces are one of the most recognizable types of Native American jewelry. Squash blossom necklaces were especially popular during the bohemian fashion craze of the 1970s, but are best known today for their Native American origins. The squash... Read more
The Apache Burden Basket
Once made for every day use in collecting or gathering wild foods, or to cultivate crops like corn, the Burden Basket of the Apache Tribe is one of the most quickly recognized items pertaining to Native American cultures today. The Apaches, traditionally nomadic... Read moreThe Jemez Pueblo Harvest Celebration
The Jemez Pueblo feast day celebrating Saint Persingula, the patron saint of the Pueblo, is held every year on August 2nd. While some rituals in most feast day celebrations are very private and secret, Palms’ owner, Guy Berger, has been invited to attend this... Read more