De Carlini Native American Christmas Ornaments

Indigenous people also known as Native Americans were the original occupants of the Americas until European colonization began in 1492. To honor their culture and life, De Carlini has created a set of ornaments for our 2020 collection. The De Carlini Native American Woman Ornament is decorated in a fringed buckskin one-piece dress, headband with blue feather, wool handkerchief, mukluk boots and painted bracelets. The De Carlini Native Girl Ornament is decorated in a one shoulder fringed dress with a belt with a feather and has two long ponytails. The De Carlini Native Warrior Ornament has painted brown pants with fringe, gold and blue belt, tooth necklace and headband with feather. The De Carlini Native American Chief Ornament is decorated in a breechcloth with brown leggings and an elaborate feathered headdress.

Native American history consists of many different groups, leaders and events that span across millions of years. Through the 16^th and 17^th centuries, more explorers sought to colonize America. Native Americans would sometimes cooperate but became angry when they were provoked unfairly. This led to rebellions and war. The Native American population diminished in size and territory by the end of the 19^th century.

Rituals and ceremonies have played an essential role in Native American culture. Unlike religions such as Christianity, these beliefs and practices are a part of their being. They embraced ceremonies that provided the power to conquer life’s difficulties, also those that celebrated milestones and events. Some of these rituals would involve a specific dance or herb.

Early Native American women would be responsible for farming, cooking, collecting herbs, making household utensils, making clothes, tanning hides and butchering meat. Early Native American men would hunt, fish and go to war against their enemies.

Today, there are 573 federally recognized tribes and villages in the United States. Each has their own culture, language and history. Every tribe is considered a sovereign nation and holds a specific relationship with the United States. Many tribes work on reviving their traditions and cultures. There are language learning programs to preserve and pass on their tribal dialect, local radio stations that broadcast in Native languages and ceremonies returned into practice. These steps are part of a movement that supports several Native communities that will hopefully bring strength, healing and hope.