What is a Native American artifact?

A Native American artifact is any object that provides insight into the lives and history of native people in America. These items range from carved stone pipes, weapons for hunting, tools for cooking, pottery, jewelry and more. Find a collection of artifacts on 1stDibs today.

What are Native American drums called?

What Native American drums are called varies by type. Ones designed to rest in the player's lap are hand drums, while instruments that hold water used primarily by the Iroquois and Yaqui are water drums. Large freestanding drums that produce loud percussive sounds are powwow drums. The Aztec and Hopi used foot drums. You'll find a range of Native American drums on 1stDibs.

What are Native American slippers called?

Native American slippers are called moccasins. Moccasins are characterized by their U-shaped puckered toe design and are crafted with various leathers such as sheepskin or buffalo. They may or may not be decorated with beading. Shop a collection of authentic moccasins from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

What are Native American beads called?

It depends on which region the beads were made since they were created out of available materials found in the land around them. In the Eastern Woodlands, white and purple marine shell beads were called “wampum”. You can shop a collection of Native American beadwork from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.

What are Native American blankets called?

The most well-known Native American blankets come from Navajo weaving, which are prized by collectors worldwide. Originally utilitarian, the Navajo people began creating blankets specifically for export and tourism in the 19th century. Shop a collection of Navajo blankets from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.

What does the Native American headdress symbolize?

What a Native American headdress represents depends on what tribe produced it. In general, headdresses may symbolize a person's status within the tribe or serve as a sign of bravery during battle. You'll find a selection of Native American headdresses on 1stDibs.

How do I identify Native American baskets?

To identify Native American baskets, you can research the patterns using authoritative online resources to try and determine which tribe produced it. However, many replicas exist and there are many tribes that produced baskets. As a result, it is a good idea to consult a licensed appraiser. On 1stDibs, find a variety of expertly vetted Native American baskets.

How do I identify Native American beadwork?

To identify Native American beadwork, first consider the materials. Indigenous American artisans often produce beads out of glass and natural materials, such as shells, bone and wood, and use metal and plastic in their pieces less frequently. Older pieces will usually be held together by sinew, while newer examples will typically feature thread. Regardless of age, Native American beadwork will typically be expertly crafted, so pieces usually have tight, even stitching with no visible gaps. Familiarizing yourself with stitching techniques used by various tribes can also be helpful. You can find images of authentic beadwork on trusted online resources to refer to as you complete the identification process. Alternatively, you can have a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer evaluate your piece. On 1stDibs, shop a wide variety of textiles and garments that feature Native American beadwork.

What does moccasins mean in Native American?

In the Native American language of Powhatan spoken by the Algonquian indigenous people, moccasin refers to a hand-sewn suede bootie. Today, people may call any shoes that feature stitched round toes by the name. Shop a variety of moccasins on 1stDibs.

What are Native American dolls called?

There are a wide array of different dolls made by the various tribes of Native American peoples. Some of the most well-known are the kachinas made by the Navajo, Hopi and Pueblo peoples. Shop an array of Native American dolls on 1stDibs.

What did Native Americans use for baskets?

What Native Americans used to produce baskets varied from tribe to tribe. Generally, craftsmen used whatever materials were readily available. In the Northeast, sweet grass was a common material, while pine needles and wicker are frequently found in baskets produced by tribes in the Southeast. Find a range of vintage and antique baskets on 1stDibs.

Which Native American tribe is known for pottery?

A number of Native American tribes are known for pottery, including the Cheyenne, Cherokees, Hopi, Iroquois, Navajo Pueblo and Shoshone. Artisans from each indigenous group have their own style. For example, Hopi pottery is often a red-brown color and decorated with black designs, while Navajo pottery is deeper brown and usually has a high-gloss finish. Find a selection of Native American pottery on 1stDibs.

How can I tell if Native American jewelry is real?

To tell if Native American jewelry is real, have it evaluated by a licensed and experienced appraiser. Because every tribe has its own designs and identifying characteristics, it is usually not possible to determine authenticity using only online resources. Find a collection of expertly vetted Native American jewelry on 1stDibs.

What do rattles symbolize in Native American culture?

What rattles symbolize in Native American culture varies from tribe to tribe. Some indigenous people believe they serve as connections between the natural and spiritual worlds. Others believe they represent the ties between animals, plants and minerals. In addition, rattles sometimes symbolize independence. On 1stDibs, find a selection of Native American rattles.

Is Native American jewelry worth anything?

Yes, some Native American jewelry is worth something. As with other types of jewelry, many pieces are made of fine materials, such as sterling silver, turquoise, jasper and lapis lazuli. Jewelry produced by Native American artists may also have value based on its age, style, type and other factors. Find a large selection of Native American jewelry on 1stDibs.

What are the two different types of Native American beadwork?

The two types of Native American beadwork are called the “lazy stitch” or “lane stitch” and the “tack stitch” or “flat stitch”. You can shop a collection of Native American beadwork from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.

Native American Knife

Quilling Art

Indian Tribes Of North America

Vintage Knifes

Knife Handle

Leather Harness

Knife Sheath Beaded Indian

Trading Beads

Quill Knife

Antique Crow Beaded Knife Sheath c.1870 Plains Native American Hide

$5,800

H 20.5 in W 4.25 in D 0.3 in

Antique Crow Beaded Knife Sheath c.1870 Plains Native American Hide

By Crow

Located in Denver, CO

highly collectible artifact from the Classic Period of Plains Native American artistry—created prior to

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century American Native American Native American Objects

Materials

Hide

Eastern Woodland Crooked Knife

$1,100

H 9.25 in W 1.75 in D 9.25 in

Eastern Woodland Crooked Knife

Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID

-handed knife invented by the woodland Native Americans. Woodlands tribes include those in the Northeast

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century American Native American Native American Objects

Materials

Wood

19th Century Crow Knife Sheath

$4,025

H 11 in W 3 in D 5 in

19th Century Crow Knife Sheath

By Crow

Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID

Late 19th century Crow knife sheath. Made of harness leather with copper rivets. Surface is

Category

Antique Late 19th Century American Native American Native American Objects

Materials

Copper

Plains Beaded Knife Sheath 1930s

$6,800

H 16.5 in W 5 in D 0.75 in

Plains Beaded Knife Sheath 1930s

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Beaded Knife Sheath Plains 1930s Cut glass trade beads, hide, sinew, tin cones, twisted

Category

Vintage 1930s American Native American Native American Objects

Materials

Other

19th Century Sioux Quilled Knife Sheath

$5,000

H 9 in W 3 in D 1 in

19th Century Sioux Quilled Knife Sheath

By Sioux Indian Art

Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID

. Native American, Blackfeet Indian, Knife, Sheath, Beaded, Beadwork

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century American Native American Native American Objects

Materials

Hide

Zuni Inlay Large Knife Dancer Bolo, Vintage

$1,400

H 4.13 in W 4 in D 0.13 in

Zuni Inlay Large Knife Dancer Bolo, Vintage

Located in Phoenix, AZ

Beautiful handcrafted Zuni Bolo tie. Natural stones set in sterling. No mark is seen, circa 1940s. Black leather tie is included with sterling tips. This expertly crafted Zuni pie...

Category

Mid-20th Century American Native American Native American Objects

Materials

Sterling Silver

MARBLE'S Antique Ideal Hunting Knife Western Navajo .925 Sterling Silver Handle

$1,837Sale Price / set|25% Off

H 1.97 in W 10 in D 1 in

MARBLE'S Antique Ideal Hunting Knife Western Navajo .925 Sterling Silver Handle

By The Marble House

Located in Miami, FL

among hunters, campers, and even military personnel. Country: Native American, United States. Period

Category

Vintage 1950s American Native American Arms, Armor and Weapons

Materials

Sterling Silver, Steel

Recent Sales

Antique Native American Knife Sheath, Sioux, 19th Century

Sold

H 9 in W 2.75 in D 0.5 in

Antique Native American Knife Sheath, Sioux, 19th Century

By Sioux Indian Art

Located in Denver, CO

This sheath is constructed of native tanned hide with red, yellow, light and dark blue trade beads

Category

Antique 19th Century American Native American Native American Objects

Materials

Hide

Antique Native American Knife and Sheath, Sioux, 19th Century

Sold

H 11.5 in W 3 in D 0.4 in

Antique Native American Knife and Sheath, Sioux, 19th Century

By Sioux Indian Art

Located in Denver, CO

A knife sheath with knife. A Nomadic tribe, the Sioux are associated with areas of the great

Category

Antique Late 19th Century American Native American Native American Objects

Zuni Knife Wing Pin

Sold

H 3.25 in W 2.75 in D 0.2 in

Zuni Knife Wing Pin

Located in Branford, CT

Fine Zuni Native American Knife Wing God pin. Silver with stone inlay work. H 3-1/4" W 2-3/4".

Category

Vintage 1950s American Native American Objects

Materials

Silver

Yankton Sioux Quilled Knife and Sheath

Sold

H 10 in W 3 in D 1 in

Yankton Sioux Quilled Knife and Sheath

By Sioux Indian Art

Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID

be your trusted source. Native American, antiques, collectibles, Sioux, quill, beadwork

Category

Antique Mid-19th Century American Native American Native American Objects

Materials

Other

19th Century Mandau Dayak People Knife

Sold

H 28 in W 2 in D 1 in

19th Century Mandau Dayak People Knife

Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID

: Last half of the 19th century Origin: Dayak Size: 28" L x 2" W. Indigenous, Knife, Mandau, Dayak

Category

Antique Late 19th Century American Native American Native American Objects

Materials

Iron

Plains Indian Beaded Knife Sheath, Sioux, 19th Century

Sold

H 16 in W 3 in D 1 in

Plains Indian Beaded Knife Sheath, Sioux, 19th Century

By Sioux Indian Art

Located in Denver, CO

Constructed of native tanned hide, this 19th century Plains Indian knife sheath is expertly beaded

Category

Antique 19th Century American Native American Native American Objects

Vintage Penknife Pocket Knife Germany "Native American" - 1960s or older

Sold

H 2.88 in W 0.75 in D 0.25 in

Vintage Penknife Pocket Knife Germany "Native American" - 1960s or older

Located in Nuernberg, DE

the Native Americans. The overall condition is very nice with celluloid scales and steel blade, please

Category

Vintage 1950s German Mid-Century Modern Historical Memorabilia

Materials

Metal

Fine Old Native American Indian Chippewa Beaded Scissors Case and Knife Sheath

Sold

H 9.06 in W 1.58 in D 0.4 in

Fine Old Native American Indian Chippewa Beaded Scissors Case and Knife Sheath

Located in London, GB

Fine Old Native American Indian Chippewa beaded scissors case with knife sheath Finely beaded on

Category

Early 20th Century North American Native American Objects

Materials

Stone

People Also Browsed

Fossilised Skull of Prehistoric Marine Reptile the Mosasaur, 70Million Years Ago

$34,063

H 6.3 in W 15.75 in D 5.91 in

Fossilised Skull of Prehistoric Marine Reptile the Mosasaur, 70Million Years Ago

Located in Puglia, Puglia

Upper Cretaceous, about 70-65 million years ago (Maastrichtian) Morocco The skull is reconstructed in good proportions with fossil pieces found in a phosphate mine in Morocco. I att...

Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier African Natural Specimens

Materials

Bone

Impressive 1870s Arapaho/Sioux Beaded Hide Dress

$63,250

$3,750

H 11.25 in W 4.5 in D 18.75 in

Antique Plains Roach Headdress c.1880 Deer & Porcupine Hair Native American

By Native American Art

Located in Denver, CO

This exceptional 19th-century Plains Native American roach headdress, dating to circa 1880, is a rare and visually dynamic example of traditional ceremonial regalia from the Great Pl...

Category

Antique 19th Century American Native American Native American Objects

Materials

Fur

18th Century Hirate Clan Samurai Armor with Signed Kabuto Helmet

$24,067

H 18 in W 21.66 in D 19.69 in

18th Century Hirate Clan Samurai Armor with Signed Kabuto Helmet

Located in Fukuoka, JP

This is a truly exceptional set of 18th century Samurai armor that is sure to impress any collector or enthusiast. The patinated iron used in its construction has aged beautifully, g...

Category

Antique 18th Century Japanese Antiquities

Materials

Iron

Antique 1880s Arapaho Beaded Moccasins, Plains Indian Hide Footwear

$2,550Sale Price / set|40% Off

H 4.25 in W 4 in D 10.75 in

Antique 1880s Arapaho Beaded Moccasins, Plains Indian Hide Footwear

By Arapaho Indian Art

Located in Denver, CO

This exceptional pair of antique Arapaho moccasins, dating to circa 1880, represents a rare and highly collectible example of 19th-century Plains Native American artistry. Handcrafte...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century American Native American Native American Objects

Materials

Hide, Glass, Beads

$7,000

H 40 in W 40 in D 40 in

Blackfoot Native American Dress

Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID

Blackfoot dress of red Stroud. Estimated 1920s. Beads on panels both sides carried over from 19th century. Period: 1920s Origin: Blackfoot Size: 40" x 40". Family Owned & Operate...

Category

Vintage 1920s American Native American Native American Objects

Materials

Beads

Sioux Beaded Patriotic Doctor's Bag, Early 20th Century

$19,800

H 12 in W 18 in D 10 in

Sioux Beaded Patriotic Doctor's Bag, Early 20th Century

By Sioux Indian Art

Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID

Patriotic Native American Sioux beaded doctor's bag. 62 American flags and crests. Large doctors bag; Sioux beaded. Came from a trading post in South Dakota; estimate first half 20th...

Category

Early 20th Century American Native American Native American Objects

Materials

Leather

Native American Tomahawk

$12,000

H 23.75 in W 7 in D 7 in

Native American Tomahawk

By Native American Art

Located in Coeur d'Alene, ID

Classic Native American Eastern Plains Indian tomahawk. With tulip shaped bowl and maple wire wrapped shaft. One tin cone drop with horse hair. Beautiful layered steel blade with dar...

Category

Early 20th Century American Native American Objects

Materials

Metal

Folk Art Under $1,000

Antique and Vintage Folk Art

Native American Folk Art

19th Century Folk Art

Metal Folk Art

Folk Art on Sale

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Native American Knife For Sale on 1stDibs

At 1stDibs, there are many versions of the ideal native American knife for your home. Frequently made of metal, animal skin and hide, every native American knife was constructed with great care. Whether you’re looking for an older or newer native American knife, there are earlier versions available from the 19th Century and newer variations made as recently as the 20th Century. When you’re browsing for the right native American knife, those designed in styles are of considerable interest. Many designers have produced at least one well-made native American knife over the years, but those crafted by Sioux Indian Art and Crow are often thought to be among the most beautiful.

How Much is a Native American Knife?

Prices for a native American knife can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, they begin at $600 and can go as high as $12,000, while the average can fetch as much as $3,850.

A Close Look at Native-american Furniture

Native American broadly describes any Indigenous people in North America and encompasses hundreds of tribes and groups, all with distinct cultures. Native American–style furniture and decor likewise varies widely, from pieces created by Indigenous people to those appropriated by non-native designers.

Indigenous furniture’s rich heritage includes the bentwood boxes of the Northwest Coast carved from cedar for storing household or ceremonial objects. Generations of Native American people have made baskets for holding household items, with those in the Northeast using sweetgrass and those in the Southeast using pine needles and wicker. Artisans in the Plateau region wove watertight pieces like cradles from plant materials. Although these objects were intricately made, they were usually utilitarian rather than decorative.

The colonization of North America and the removal of Indigenous people from their lands led to the suppression of these practices. Many styles that used Native American motifs — such as Southwestern style, which was heavily influenced by the geometric patterns of Navajo textiles — have historically not involved Indigenous creators and, instead, have taken their traditions without their tribal context.

When decorating a home with Native American–style furniture, it is important to do so respectfully, by understanding the origins of motifs and objects and examining who profits from their sale. There are now Indigenous-led companies, such as Cherokee designer Cray Bauxmont-Flynn’s Amatoya and Totem House Design, promoting Indigenous work in furniture and home decor. Supporting Indigenous artists and artisans is essential to confronting the still pervasive issue of cultural appropriation in design.

Find a collection of Native American living room furniture, folk art, rugs and carpets, decorative objects and other items on 1stDibs.

Finding the Right Native-american-objects for You

As part of thoughtful home decor, antique and vintage Native American objects — works created by Native American artists and artisans — can bring rich textures and colors into a space.

Art collecting can be done in a socially and environmentally conscious way that reinvests in local communities. Tribal art is traditionally crafted with earth-friendly materials that respect the environment.

Textiles have long been objects of art and utility for Native Americans. Traditional weaving techniques involve material made from plant and animal fibers. Different tribes have woven distinctive patterns and colors into blankets, rugs and garments, such as the vibrant geometric shapes woven from wool by the Navajo.

After metal and glass beads were introduced to North America by Europeans, they became a popular form of art. Intricate beading appears on clothing, jewelry and other objects. Beadwork not only looks stunning, but it is also deeply emblematic of Native American ethnicity and can be used to pass stories handed down from generation to generation. Beaded garments have often been commissioned for important events like weddings, dances and celebrations.

Native Americans initially created pottery out of necessity to carry water and store food. For centuries, artists have decorated jugs, vases and other vessels, from designs etched into clay to experimentation with firing methods for unique finishes.

Find a diverse collection of colorful and culturally enriching antique and vintage Native American decorative items, objects and much more on 1stDibs.

Questions About Native American Knife

What is a Native American artifact?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021
A Native American artifact is any object that provides insight into the lives and history of native people in America. These items range from carved stone pipes, weapons for hunting, tools for cooking, pottery, jewelry and more. Find a collection of artifacts on 1stDibs today.
What are Native American drums called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
What Native American drums are called varies by type. Ones designed to rest in the player's lap are hand drums, while instruments that hold water used primarily by the Iroquois and Yaqui are water drums. Large freestanding drums that produce loud percussive sounds are powwow drums. The Aztec and Hopi used foot drums. You'll find a range of Native American drums on 1stDibs.
What are Native American slippers called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
Native American slippers are called moccasins. Moccasins are characterized by their U-shaped puckered toe design and are crafted with various leathers such as sheepskin or buffalo. They may or may not be decorated with beading. Shop a collection of authentic moccasins from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
What are Native American beads called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
It depends on which region the beads were made since they were created out of available materials found in the land around them. In the Eastern Woodlands, white and purple marine shell beads were called “wampum”. You can shop a collection of Native American beadwork from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.
What are Native American blankets called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
The most well-known Native American blankets come from Navajo weaving, which are prized by collectors worldwide. Originally utilitarian, the Navajo people began creating blankets specifically for export and tourism in the 19th century. Shop a collection of Navajo blankets from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
What does the Native American headdress symbolize?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
What a Native American headdress represents depends on what tribe produced it. In general, headdresses may symbolize a person's status within the tribe or serve as a sign of bravery during battle. You'll find a selection of Native American headdresses on 1stDibs.
How do I identify Native American baskets?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
To identify Native American baskets, you can research the patterns using authoritative online resources to try and determine which tribe produced it. However, many replicas exist and there are many tribes that produced baskets. As a result, it is a good idea to consult a licensed appraiser. On 1stDibs, find a variety of expertly vetted Native American baskets.
How do I identify Native American beadwork?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertNovember 13, 2024
To identify Native American beadwork, first consider the materials. Indigenous American artisans often produce beads out of glass and natural materials, such as shells, bone and wood, and use metal and plastic in their pieces less frequently. Older pieces will usually be held together by sinew, while newer examples will typically feature thread. Regardless of age, Native American beadwork will typically be expertly crafted, so pieces usually have tight, even stitching with no visible gaps. Familiarizing yourself with stitching techniques used by various tribes can also be helpful. You can find images of authentic beadwork on trusted online resources to refer to as you complete the identification process. Alternatively, you can have a certified appraiser or experienced antique dealer evaluate your piece. On 1stDibs, shop a wide variety of textiles and garments that feature Native American beadwork.
What does moccasins mean in Native American?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
In the Native American language of Powhatan spoken by the Algonquian indigenous people, moccasin refers to a hand-sewn suede bootie. Today, people may call any shoes that feature stitched round toes by the name. Shop a variety of moccasins on 1stDibs.
What are Native American dolls called?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
There are a wide array of different dolls made by the various tribes of Native American peoples. Some of the most well-known are the kachinas made by the Navajo, Hopi and Pueblo peoples. Shop an array of Native American dolls on 1stDibs.
What did Native Americans use for baskets?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
What Native Americans used to produce baskets varied from tribe to tribe. Generally, craftsmen used whatever materials were readily available. In the Northeast, sweet grass was a common material, while pine needles and wicker are frequently found in baskets produced by tribes in the Southeast. Find a range of vintage and antique baskets on 1stDibs.
Which Native American tribe is known for pottery?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertMay 5, 2023
A number of Native American tribes are known for pottery, including the Cheyenne, Cherokees, Hopi, Iroquois, Navajo Pueblo and Shoshone. Artisans from each indigenous group have their own style. For example, Hopi pottery is often a red-brown color and decorated with black designs, while Navajo pottery is deeper brown and usually has a high-gloss finish. Find a selection of Native American pottery on 1stDibs.
How can I tell if Native American jewelry is real?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
To tell if Native American jewelry is real, have it evaluated by a licensed and experienced appraiser. Because every tribe has its own designs and identifying characteristics, it is usually not possible to determine authenticity using only online resources. Find a collection of expertly vetted Native American jewelry on 1stDibs.
What do rattles symbolize in Native American culture?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
What rattles symbolize in Native American culture varies from tribe to tribe. Some indigenous people believe they serve as connections between the natural and spiritual worlds. Others believe they represent the ties between animals, plants and minerals. In addition, rattles sometimes symbolize independence. On 1stDibs, find a selection of Native American rattles.
Is Native American jewelry worth anything?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertOctober 30, 2024
Yes, some Native American jewelry is worth something. As with other types of jewelry, many pieces are made of fine materials, such as sterling silver, turquoise, jasper and lapis lazuli. Jewelry produced by Native American artists may also have value based on its age, style, type and other factors. Find a large selection of Native American jewelry on 1stDibs.
What are the two different types of Native American beadwork?
1 Answer
1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
The two types of Native American beadwork are called the “lazy stitch” or “lane stitch” and the “tack stitch” or “flat stitch”. You can shop a collection of Native American beadwork from some of the world’s top boutiques on 1stDibs.