Native American Web Graphics

From LoveToKnow Web-Design

In many ways, the history, culture, and traditions of the Native American people have influenced American art and society, and Native American web graphics are no exception.

The Beauty of Native American Web Graphics

Much of the beauty of Native American art, incorporated into Native American web graphics, comes from the fact that it's an art form that is much more than simple design. Native American art tells a physical and spiritual story that transcends any attempt to simplify it into a simple picture or image. It's an art form that demands quiet contemplation and reflection.

The Origins of Native American Art

Europeans had a habit of misunderstanding Native American culture, and this continues even today, where tourists buy clothing and pottery that depict Native images for the simple artistic value. The culture of American Indians has always been one where art was intricately intertwined with functionality and spirituality. Pottery and clothing were carefully crafted to reflect the spiritual beliefs that were woven throughout all aspects of daily life. American Indians did not go to Sunday church, then change into their "work clothes" and go hunting or gathering. Daily activities, like hunting, gathering, and cooking, were all connected to the spirituality of an entire people. This is reflected in every piece of clothing, every piece of pottery, and every painted image created by a member of a tribe. This culture and spiritual belief continues today within tribal communities. Europeans and all other outsiders continue to misunderstand or disrespect those spiritual beliefs in how those images are used, or misused, throughout American culture.

The Meaning Behind Native American Symbols

Before you use Native American symbols on your website, try to learn about what each of the symbols mean. Consider, whenever you use Native American art on your website, that it's much like using the Christian symbol of the cross, or the Jewish symbol of the Star of David. Such symbols should be treated with proper respect and etiquette when you're placing them on your website. Proper use of Native American symbols within the context and content of your site will reflect an intelligent and meaningful understanding of the graphics that you've chosen.

Some of the meaning behind basic symbols are as follows:

  • Feathers: The eagle feather is worn as a symbol of strength and wisdom, but various feathers can mean truth, speed, lightness, flight, and ascension.
  • Wolf: The image of the wolf represents intelligence, cunning, loyalty and compassion.
  • Snake: The snake or serpent is usually the symbol of the shaman, and indicates a spiritual nature and a connection with the spiritual realm.
  • Turtle: The turtle is an image of protection, often used on totems accordingly.
  • Sun: The sun indicates energy, and often each ray represents the energy centers within every human. The Hopi Sun is connected with the center of creation.
  • Sun and Wind: The image with the sun surrounded by wind represents the intimate connection between different natural forces and how natural energies can affect life.
  • Labyrinth: This image, which looks like a circular maze, represents human life as an infinite, complicated journey with no beginning and no end.

Legends of America provides a comprehensive list of Native American totems and the meanings for each symbol. Performing an Internet search for "native American symbols" returns an extensive list of websites than can help with your research.

How Native American Art is Used on the Web

Using Native American art is an excellent way for you to become a storyteller. This is a use that is encouraged by all American Indian storytellers across the country. The tradition of this culture is an oral storytelling tradition, and the Internet presents an opportunity for all storytellers, whether or not you are of Native American heritage, to tell a story using the beautiful, symbolic imagery of these cultures.

Finding Native American Art for Your Website

There is no shortage of tribal art on the Internet. There are even websites created specifically to provide this art to webmasters to use on their web pages. The resources listed here represent only a short list of what's available throughout the Internet. Some are free, and others are available at reasonable cost.

  • The Greasy Grass is an award-winning web graphics site that features computer generated Native American and Old West graphics free for personal, non-commercial use.
  • Karen Whimsy provides black & white American Indian images.
  • First People provides volumes of information on American Indians, and an entire section with artwork, photographs, and clipart.
  • Sam Silverhawk has created some stunning works of art at this graphics site.
  • William Purcell has a unique style in his images and art provided at Lakota Writings.

Additional Resources

The artwork found throughout the Internet that celebrates the artistry and spirituality of this amazing culture would make a great addition to any website.

Check out these additional resources about website graphics:

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