November is Native American Heritage Month! It’s a time for remembrance, gratitude, and celebration dedicated to the stories, enduring wisdom, and contributions of the Indigenous peoples who first called this land home. Established in 1990, the month of November was thoughtfully chosen to coincide with the end of the traditional harvest season, when many families and communities gather in thankfulness.
The Importance of Tradition
Tradition holds a sacred place across all Native American cultures. It lives in stories shared with friends and families, in familiar songs that echo through generations, and in the artistry passed from one pair of hands to another. Honoring tradition may take many forms and look different for everyone, but however it appears, it continues to be a bridge between past and present. It’s a reminder to express gratitude for how Native people have guided, inspired, and built the spirit of this nation.
Here at American West Jewelry by Carolyn Pollack, we choose to honor Native American Heritage Month with sincere reflection about how the history of the Native tribes runs deep through the land. Much of our nation’s art and literature reflect Native American wisdom about harmony, courage, and life itself. The modern highways that we traverse as we explore often trace paths created by Native communities long ago. Even our modern dishes resemble the influence and characteristics of what was first shared through Native knowledge of agriculture. We also pause to honor the many Native men and women who have bravely served in our armed forces. With Veterans Day and Native American Heritage Month sharing this time of remembrance, we hold profound gratitude for their courage, service, and sacrifice.
Mosgaadace Casuse "Moss" & Fritz Casuse at the Santa Fe Indian Market in Santa Fe, NM 2024.
The Art of Storytelling
Native art has been our greatest inspiration, shaping our designs as we work to honor the heritage, icons, and beauty of the Southwest in every piece we create, every day. We want to put the spotlight on Fritz Casuse, Navajo, award-winning artist and sculptor. He is an expert in storytelling through art, using thoughtful motifs and clever details to express his creativity. We are so blessed to be able to offer his designs in the Fritz Casuse Jewelry Collection.
EXCLUSIVELY OURS! Sterling Silver Kingman Turquoise Fritz Casuse Arrowhead Lever Back Earrings
One of his most iconic designs in the collection is the arrowhead, which features a bold gemstone embraced by textured Sterling Silver that gives a strong presence to the piece. The textured lines resemble the roots of trees, the winding directions of rivers, and all the paths of people who pass by each other. The arrowhead itself is also a significant Native icon, as they were used for hunting and protection. And as we know, Native culture shaped the Southwestern lifestyle and longstanding belief of respecting nature, so the beloved arrowhead is also used in the National Park Service’s logo.
There are also many other iconic Southwestern designs that trace their roots to Native artistry, inspired and pioneered by Indigenous peoples ~ particularly the Navajo. Among the most notable designs are the Naja and Squash Blossom. The Naja, shaped like a crescent, is the Navajo word for “moon”. It symbolizes balance and protection. The Squash Blossom, with its graceful petal-like silhouette, honors the flowering squash plant, which is one of the “Three Sisters” crops that have long sustained Native communities. Although often designed together to tell a story of harmony, they can both also tell their own stories beautifully, such as the case with a Naja pendant or a pair of Squash Blossom earrings.
Sterling Silver Green Turquoise Squash Blossom Naja Necklace, 17 to 20 Inches
Another iconic design that you’ll see at almost every turn in the Southwest is the concha. Originally called “conchos”, this design started off as a belt with metal discs from coins strung together. These belts were often worn and used for trading. Over time, the concha design started being adorned with other accessories as jewelry artists embraced creativity. The concha ring we are presenting also includes another noteworthy characteristic of Southwestern jewelry ~ the use of Turquoise! Explore other Southwest Style Jewelry from AWJ to see more iconic designs.
Sterling Silver Kingman Turquoise Concha Flower Ring, Sizes 5 to 10
Honoring Native American Heritage with AWJ
It’s important to remember the lives and legacies of those who walked this land before us. We honor them not only through remembrance, but through building understanding by reading, learning, and truly listening to them. Take time to learn their stories when Native communities speak of what they hold dear. And as you wear the jewelry that inspires you, look deeper into its symbols and meaning. Each design carries a bit of history and a strong connection to the earth.
