Totem poles were traditionally made to tell the story of a family`s ancestry using images of animal and human spirits. Making totem poles with children is an enjoyable family or classroom craft that teaches kids about the significance of this important piece of artwork. Give kids an empty paper towel tube, paint and construction paper to make totem poles. Instruct the kids to paint animal and human faces on the paper towel tube and cut out wings or horns using the construction paper to glue to the sides to create images of birds or deer.
Making Native American dream catchers is a creative craft project for people of all ages. Dream catchers were hung over a bed and believed to catch bad dreams preventing them from entering into the sleeper`s head. Use a bendable twig, thin wire, twine, beads and feathers to craft your own dream catcher. Bend the twig to form a circle and secure it with the thin wire. Slide colorful beads onto the twine and wrap it around the twig in a web pattern to form a creative design. Tie the feathers onto short pieces of twine and secure them to the bottom of the twig hoop to complete the dream catcher.
Kachina, or katsina, dolls are traditional dolls made and used by the Hopi Native American tribe. Generally, they are carved from cottonwood root and painted to represent religious icons. The dolls were used to teach Hopi children about their religious beliefs. Kachina dolls are often given as gifts and used as decoration, displaying the hard work and time put into creating each doll.
Native American jewelry is prized for its beauty and unique design. Jewelry is commonly given as a gift for family, friends and co-workers. Native American jewelry is divided into two main categories -- metalwork and beadwork. Turquoise, beads, shells, and amber are all materials traditionally found in Native American necklaces, bracelets and earrings. Authentic jewelry can be found at Native American gift shops around the country and online.