Native american themed patio?

Question

Doin a project for my mother and since she has such a passion for her heritage I figured I'd incorporate part of that on the out side of her house. I just don't know how. Some decorative ideas anybody? Oh but they have to be weather resistant, midwest weather, or something easily moved.

Answer 1

We recently finished a Native American garden at my husband's school. We incorporated many of the plants used by the Cherokee people who lived and used the trading trail on which the school is built. Dye plants, medicinal plants, etc., were used. If we could not find the pure original native, we found cultivars of the plant and incorporated them around a sundial and seven-point star; the symbol of the Nation. When finished, a representative of the nation came and blessed the garden. It is thriving and used as an outdoor lab for the school children.
You could do similar with plants native to your Mother's people, using large pots in the circle of four colors facing North, South, East and West.

Answer 2

That's a tough one, since for "The People", the world was the patio. Try a B.B.Q pit with an assortment of meeting furniture like large comfy rocks in a circle. The fire pit and ceremonies that took place there were central to all families almost without exception; irregardless, if you do nothing else this is a must. Occasionally one can find (but one usually makes) patio furniture from raw limbs skillfully assembled just like any other piece of finished furniture. Look at some of the more colorful work found on the inner and outer walls of living structures for simpler ideas. Try your hand at a totem (pole). Look for wooden beads and make some decorative tree hanging items. Find pottery for planters.

Take a look on line for photos. Most of our tribes will have pics and sites. Take a day trip to places where The People live in groups and purchase some items, which is great for showing support, and you will also get a wealth of cultural ideas. Each tribe has a very special quality that is brought out in the works they do. A great way to come close to your family roots.

I guess I lied. That wasn't too hard at all.

Answer 3

totem poles, twig chairs and tables, a fire pit dug into the ground and circled with river rocks, a small pond with fish, bird feeders, a trellace made with with twig or willow, and a vine to grow over it, colorful throws and cushions for the chairs