by Lisa Shea -

Native American Wedding Traditions Book


Photo taken by Lisa Shea

I have been working on my book about Native American wedding traditions for over ten years. I’m a person who can normally write a book in just a few months! Why is this taking so long?

One answer is that there are just so many tribes out there. When I write about Irish traditions, it’s just one small country. Sure, there are variations between Galway and Limerick, but they’re all still part of one main culture. In comparison, there are hundreds upon hundreds of Native American tribes with ways of life which can vary quite drastically. Some are primarily hunters. Some are primarily farmers. Some have family life centered around a mother. Some around the father. To write just one book about all of those different traditions is quite daunting.

Also, I love Native American museums. There are so many of them, and each one has amazing items on display! I could keep visiting them forever.

What I have to do is just call what I’m working on version 1. I can then come out with new versions as I add in more information. But I should at least get published what I currently have, so people can read and comment on that. And then I can move forward!

Thoughts?

by Lisa Shea -

Native American Baskets


Photo by Lisa Shea

I took this photo of Native American baskets at the Native American museum in New Hampshire. It is always so inspiring when I go to these museums. We currently live in a world where we buy plastic items and toss them in the trash if they get scratched. We pollute our world.

These baskets take us back to a time where people cared about each item they owned. The items were made by hand to be both beautiful and functional. When the items were done with their life of use, they simply disintegrated back into the soil to nourish it.

by Lisa Shea -

Native American Dolls


Photo by Lisa Shea

Nearly every culture has dolls and figurines as part of its tradition. These types of items serve many purposes. They help the adults teach history and culture to the younger members. Younger members can role-play with the items to make sense of how they might act in the world. Sometimes they are decorative, to add beauty to a home.

These Native American dolls were seen at the Native American museum in New Hampshire. I love the detailing on them.

by Lisa Shea -

Native American Beaded Baskets


Photo taken by Lisa Shea

These beautiful beaded baskets showcase how Native American art was often both beautiful and practical. Someone spent a great deal of time creating these baskets to hold designs and color. The baskets could be enjoyed visually and also did a good job holding items.

Baskets were seen at the Native American museum in New Hampshire.