You can often
identify which nation a person comes from by the beadwork they wear.
In the past, as is
the situation today, women were by far the makers of most beaded items.
Many designs sewn in
beadwork today, particularly on regalia and ceremonial items, contain images
that come from spiritual ceremonies or from dreams. Patterns of plants and animals are sometimes
created in honour of the spirits and the gifts humans receive from these
beings.
"Spirit
Beads" are individual beads of a "wrong" colour sometimes
intentionally sewn into works…. This bead is not always a "mistake",
having been placed there by the beadworker on purpose. There are many reasons a bead worker may do
this.
Regalia items are
very personal and artistic expressions of the dancers' lives, feelings,
interests, family and spiritual quest.
