Dream Catcher

According to Lakota legend, there are many forces that interact with the harmony of nature, some good and some bad. The dream catcher represents the life cycle and the interaction through time of these good and bad forces, and the outcome of decisions made, also good and bad. This is how the dream catcher evolved: an elder spiritual leader once had a vision, in which he spoke with Iktomi, the great trickster and teacher of wisdom, who was in the form of a spider. During this sacred meeting, great conversation took place in only a language understood by the spiritual leaders, about all aspects of the balance of oneself with nature, and with the belief in the Great Spirit and all his teachings. All the while, Iktomi weaved a web on the elder’s willow hoop that was adorned with feathers, beads, and pieces of leather and fur. The spider explained that the dream catcher caught every dream and only kept the good ones; the bad dreams and forces were expelled through the hole in the middle of the dream catcher. The dream catcher was to be used by the Lakota people to protect them from good and bad influential forces in their lives, in conjunction with their belief in the Great Spirit, to make good use of their ideas, dreams, and visions, to hold the destiny of their future.

Dream catchers are beautiful hand made pieces of traditional Native American art that can be found in museums, southwest arts and crafts fairs, or at any retailer of fine Native American and southwest home décor. Also note when making a purchase, that dream catchers and all hand-made pieces of art must state if they are not made by Native Americans. It is illegal to misrepresent the origin; true authentic artwork can be very pricey, and some of it even priceless. Dream catchers and other Native American made items are truly unique, and no two are exactly alike. They represent the artist’s individual practice and interpretation of the ancient beliefs and spiritual practices of the Native American people. Not only do dream catchers and other pieces look beautiful in our homes, but by purchasing these artists’ creations we contribute to keeping the art and traditions of the Native Americans alive.

Dream catchers, paintings, wooden flutes, natural stone fetishes, ceremonial head dresses, shields, swords, rain sticks, knives, masks, tee pees, turquoise and sterling silver jewelry, all hand made, hand painted pieces of beautiful Native American art. Be prepared to spend a substantial amount for any truly original piece; you may find something similar, but you won’t ever find an exact duplicate. Dream catchers are as unique as the person who made it. It was their choice of shape and size, as well as colors and detailed decoration. Also, if you are so inclined, you can buy the supplies and make your own original dream catcher that reflects your own cycle of life. Sweet dreams.