Authentic
Native American Jewelry | ||||||
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Lobster claw clasp can be attached all along the 18" chain. |
Lakota Visions | |||||
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THE MORNING STARThe morning star is an important symbol to many Native Americans. It is the planet Venus, which appears as the brightest star in the eastern sky at dawn. It represents the direction from which spirits travel to earth and is a link between the living and the dead, thus symbolizing immortality. It symbolizes hope and guidance and is a sign of courage and purity of spirit. |
About Nickel Silver Nickel silver, also called German silver, is an alloy of copper, zinc and nickel, but contains no silver. This alloy is very hard and does not tarnish like sterling silver and costs much less. Historically, nickel silver was sold in flat sheets and the Navajo obtained it from their neighbors, the Utes, who worked it in the plains style of metalwork. Mostly tribes of the plains, prairies, and Great Lakes areas worked in nickel silver. Some contemporary Navajo artisans use it in place of coin silver and sterling silver. Some people are allergic to nickel and get what is called "nickel itch" when contacting it. |
Lakota Visions Mitchell Zephier of Rapid City, South Dakota grew up on the Cheyenne River and Rosebud Indian reservations. In 1981 he founded Lakota Visions, traditional Lakota made Native American arts, crafts and jewelry from the plains states. He has mentored over 34 apprentices in metal-smithing and marketing. Family members and friends that work on Lakota Visions jewelry include his son Wakinyan Luta Zephier , Belle Starboy, Webster Two Hawk Jr., and Roger Dale Herron.
Mitch has other forms of artistic expression. His album Cherish the Children won a National Native Music Award for Best Children's Album. Mitchell Zephier's latest venture is to team up with fellow artists to explore, on film this time, the issues that affect the lives of Native Young People in Cloud Horse Production's Lakota 4 Life, a Zephier inspired look at the issues, decisions, responsibilities and opportunities facing Native Youth today. |
Mitch
has won numerous awards including first place at Red Earth Show, several awards
at the internationally prestigious Sante Fe Indian Market as well as presented
his work at far off Native American venues like Schimutzun Celebration in Connecticut.
He has also earned the South Dakota Governor's award.