What is the significance of Turquoise in Native American Culture?

A word about Native Americans

Native Americans or Indigenous Americans are a community of people who have been dwelling in America for thousands of years. Also called the first settlers of America, they are the descendants of the pre-Columbian indigenous people of North America. Around 500 tribes exist in different parts of the state presently. Many of them are still independent of state law and their actions governed by rules of tribal and federal law.

Significance of Turquoise in Native American Culture

Turquoise is an opaque gemstone found in the green-blue color spectrum among the mines of America, Iran and China. It has been in use for thousands of years by different communities as a talisman, a holy stone, and a bringer of good luck. Turquoise mines being widespread in North America, it is available more easily to the North American tribes than the rest of the world. This has resulted in the incorporation of the gemstone in their religious beliefs, cultures, and traditions and formed a crucial part of their heritage and livelihood.

The rich history associated with it

The South Americans believe that turquoise is actually the tears of their Sky Goddess turned into stone. As per Native American folklore, it symbolized the unity of the Sun and fire. It is considered important for body and soul protection along with causing rain and protecting against sickness. According to them turquoise has the power to make a person attractive and is considered sacred with frequent mention of the mineral in folktales about their gods and goddesses.

Their religious beliefs

Native American legends compare the hues of the turquoise to that of different components of the earth and use them during rituals. Turquoise comes in a variety of shades ranging from deep green to matrix-ridden deep blue. Rarely it can be found in a clear light blue. Green Turquoise is compared to the greens of the earth while blue is compared to the water bodies during their religious processes. Being an organic mineral, it is even powdered and its colors are used in their ritualistic arts used to cure disease and other body ailments. Turquoise has the ability to change colors based on environmental factors and the acidity of the person's skin with the effects of light on it. This scientific fact is regarded as a magical fact by the Native American tribes and used in rituals for divining, prophesy, and prediction purposes.

For health and prosperity

The Native Americans always did and still consider Turquoise as a good luck symbol. That’s why Native American turquoise necklace pieces are so much in demand. For centuries turquoise among the Native American Tribes has been associated with health and prosperity and used likewise. Habituated to a desert climate and scarcity of water, it is a common practice to use sticks with turquoise heads while searching for underground supplies of water. Turquoise is hanged from the ceilings or kept in any form in every Navajo household as an evil eye charm. Its changing colors are used by the tribal healers or doctors to access health conditions and the overall well-being of a person. It is even exchanged between the tribes as a sign of peace and a symbol of peace for its good luck effects.

As a source of currency, prestige symbol, and good luck charm

Turquoise was once used as a form of currency in the tribes and used for trading purposes. The richer and more affluent families within the tribes would surround their homes with it and adorn it over their weapons while hunting while the others would tie it to their bows. It was even used to line their graves. Archaeological surveys use the presence of turquoise in graves to determine the social standing of a member of the tribe. Excavation sites have even found turquoise adorning the knives, crowns, warrior shields, and masks of the Aztec civilization, a prominent Native American tribe now defunct. Turquoise was and is still used by other Native American tribes as an important part of wedding belts symbolizing the happy future of the couple.

As a source of livelihood

Initially, the North American tribes started making turquoise beads as a talisman against evil energy. Incorporating turquoise in their jewelry was religious and good luck symbol. With the advent of time, they have started commercializing turquoise jewelry made by them. Turquoise is hand-cut by the members of the tribes and used with other minerals to make beautiful pieces of necklaces (such as turquoise heishi necklace) and other jewelry. Each and every piece is unique along with hand-crafted and polished thus adding to its charm. It is what forms a major part of their livelihood and is encouraged by the government to keep their culture and heritage alive.

End Thoughts

You can certainly appreciate a Native American turquoise necklace if bought from a real Native people who make it to retain their cultural heritage. In this regard, New Mexico Gems would be your ideal bet for sure.