Native American necklaces?

Question

I wanted to know what the meaning of the chokers with the beads on it was. I was at the NY Renassiance Faire and bought one and the guy working there was a story teller. He said that native americans believe that you can't kill a persons soul without stabbing them in the neck so they wore the necklaces to protect their neck. It should be worn as a direct reflection of who you are (such as color chioce, it should kind of speak to you). He also said that each rope was supposed to represent how far along in life you are. I didn't get to ask him how you knew which was the correct one. So I was wondering what everyone else knew about it!

Sorry that was so long!

Answer 1

The meaning depends on which tribe you're from actually. Was it a necklace or choker? Every tribe has different beliefs and traditions. In today's world, native americans wear chokers as part of their dance regalia. Historically though, I suppose it had something to do with wars against other tribes. But, it was a interesting question.

Answer 2

It probably depends on the tribe/Nation, and not all made and wore chokers. I don't know a lot, but from the things I have been told, I really don't know of any specific meanings in wearing them, or color, etc. One would have to assume they gave a measure of protection, but I've never heard of any specific belief about killing someones soul by stabbing them in the neck. Again though, that could be the belief of just one particular tribe/Nation. Because traditionally women used to (and still with their regalia) wear the long breastplates, along with the choker, with the bone beads facing up and down, that was probably less likely to be for use of protection. If I remember correctly I have been told that they were also originally made by some tribes out of bird bones, so they were lighter then many today and then most likely to be largely just decorative. I think colors/designs of clothing and things really all depend on the family and individual. I have a couple very nice chokers that I bought at a powwow years ago and don't know of any meanings other then they were the ones that 'called' to me and look good on me, though I generally save wearing them for powwows I attend.

Answer 3

Siyo interior reach necklaces could have tremendous non secular which ability or be no longer some other thing effective than ornament .It relies upon on the tribe and on the necklace. interior reach individuals aren't any further one team and each and every tribe has its own traditions and ideology. Lumping all interior reach individuals jointly is like affirming that one and all Asians are an same even if or not they are Cambodian Korean or jap. in case you want a particular answer you may might want to provide the tribe and variety of necklace. Wado, Jisdu

Answer 4

My family roots are to the Cherokee. My grandmother made my daughters a necklace of burdock root when they were teething. She said this would take away the slobbering and the teething pain and the fever. They were very small little roots that were made into oblong beads. She put them on a waxed piece of thread and just tied them in a knot, with room enough for them to grow, around their neck. The girls were to wear them until they broke off and their teething problems would be over. Both my girls had NO problems whatsoever with teething.

Answer 5

Nice story -- but . . .

Try the link below for something that may be a little closer to the truth, if a bit more mercenary sounding (isn't everything!). Sorry to burst your bubble. Hope this helps.

Answer 6

now its to protect their casinos from the IRS

Answer 7

Fascinating question and NO I had never heard that before! Gee Ive learned something today! Thanks for that.