Unique Iroquois Arts and Crafts
Paintings
The Iroquois painted on surfaces and animal hides, till about the year 1821. It was only in the year 1821, that they began painting on canvas and paper. Some of the best known Iroquois painters are Dennis Cusick, Jesse Cornplanter, Sanford Plummer and Ernest Smith. These painters mainly used watercolors, ink and oil colors to create some impeccable masterpieces. From the year 1970, Iroquois people started using painting as a medium to bring forth what their culture represented. Animals, nature, clan symbols and many other objects were painted to bring out the significance of Iroquois culture, in front of others.
Hand Woven Baskets
Hand woven baskets are an important part of Iroquois culture and tradition. In fact, during a marriage ceremony, it is mandatory for the husband and the wife to exchange baskets with one another. These wedding baskets are made in multicolors and are decorated with beads, ribbons and many other types of ornaments. Besides the wedding baskets, there are ones for everyday use, which are very simple. They are used by the Iroquois people for various things, such as storing food items, washing corn kernels, etc.
Pottery and Sculpture
Pots with a round bottom, made from clay, which have geometric designs on them, are a typical Iroquois art. They were used by Iroquois people to cook food. However, when colonial people came, they brought with them metals like brass, iron and copper. Thus, clay pots vanished and soon were replaced by metal pots, which were any day better to cook food than their clay counterparts. The Iroquois pots are decorated with antlers and many of the attractive clan symbols.
Bead Jewelery and Clothes
Iroquois use beads for creating some stunning designs on the clothes and jewelery that they wear. Earrings made from glass beads, which are threaded on a porcupine’s quill, have always been very popular in this culture. To really understand the beauty of the bead designs of the Iroquois, you have to look at the skirts worn by the women. The skirts have designs on them, such as, the never ending circular patterns, images of the celestial tree, to name a few. These beautiful designs enhance the look of the Iroquois clothing and make the women in this culture look distinctive and stunning. Read the rest of this entry »