Brightly colored headdresses are a part of Cherokee men's clothing.
The Cherokee Indians, who originally made their home in the southeast region of the U.S., including Kentucky, Georgia and Tennessee, have a rich history that includes ornate clothing, riverside villages and the Trail of Tears. If you're looking for a gift to present a loved one who is of Cherokee heritage or someone who admires the artwork of this Native American tribe, there are a number of beautiful items to choose from.
Jewelry
Beaded jewelry is common in Cherokee culture; the Cherokee learned make jewelry with brightly-hued beads from the Iroquois tribes. Cuff bracelets or necklaces with red, black or yellow beads are a beautiful gift for a person who admires Cherokee jewelry. A jewelry piece with a pendant that denotes Cherokee symbolism makes a thoughtful gift as well. For instance, a necklace with a cougar pendant is ideal for a woman, as the animal's cries resemble those of a woman, and the creature is considered very mysterious.
Clothing
Cherokee men, women and children wore moccasins, so purchasing a pair for your loved one in a tan or deep brown color, accented with brightly colored beads in turquoise or red, is a display of true Cherokee style. You can also purchase a tear dress for a woman who is interested in Cherokee fashion. The dress is long, reaching to a woman's ankles, and is created by tearing the fabric into squares and sewing them together. Leather or buckskin leggings are a fitting gift for a Cherokee man, accented with fringes or beadwork, and a leather garter for authenticity.
Books
Books that contain interesting information about Cherokee symbols and history make great gifts for an intellectual loved one who enjoys gaining new knowledge about other cultures. The Cherokee Western website, along with Amazon.com, have a number of reading materials that offer valuable information on the Trail of Tears, tribal practices and the assimilation of Cherokee Indians into modern society. There are also books and DVDs that will help the recipient learn the language of the Cherokee Indians, or Tsalagi.
Home Decor Items
Visually appealing decorative items that give the home a colorful conversation piece are ideal gifts for a person of Cherokee heritage who wants to display his cultural background in a decorative way. A porcupine roach, or a mohawk-shaped feather headdress worn by the men of Cherokee tribes, is an impressive gift, as many of the headdresses are made of vivid red and yellow feathers. Cherokee drums covered with leather and featuring Native American symbols like holly or spruce trees are fitting presents as well. The tree images are a sign of longevity and health, as Cherokee folklore suggests that these trees remained awake during all seven days of creation.
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