Don’t know where to begin in your quest to collect the best Native American-inspired charms? We’re here to help!

Some items in this collection represent Native American protection charms, while others may be Native American good luck charms. Each item has rich symbolism, and we’d love for everyone to start learning more about Native American culture, beginning with certain symbols.

Naja

“Naja” is the Navajo term for a symbol believed to have originated in ancient times in the Middle East. As with many other characters, it was created as a protective talisman, which the Moors attached to their horses’ bridles to ward off the evil eye.

In one of two ways, it became the focal point of the squash blossom necklace. The Navajo either witnessed it on the Spanish Mexicans or arrived in the Southwest via the Plains people, the Shawnee or Delaware. However, the form itself dates back to ancient times.

The Najas are predominantly silver in early examples of squash blossom necklaces. Still, later Native Americans started adding turquoise and even coral to them as the layout evolved, Joe Tanner explained. The Naja is also symbolic of the womb, and when a squash blossom necklace is adorned with a single turquoise nugget hanging from the Naja, it is frequently construed as a signifier of an unborn child.

Thunderbird

Thunderbird is a powerful essence in the shape of a bird in North American Indian folklore. The earth was irrigated, and greenery grew due to its work. It was believed that lightning flashed from its beak and that the beating of its wings represented the rolling of thunder. It was frequently depicted with an additional head on its stomach.

Thunderbirds were frequently accompanied by lesser bird spirits, most frequently eagles or falcons. Although it is most well-known in North America, similar figures have been discovered in Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Arrowhead

Arrowheads are one of the most widely recognized artifacts globally and are frequently the subject of a variety of myths. In the United States, this symbol is commonly associated with Native American history.

The arrowhead dates back to the Stone Age and has been discovered worldwide. Native Americans believe that an arrowhead is a protective and potent symbol. Additionally, an arrowhead serves as a symbol of fortitude.

Eagle

The wabl, or eagle, is a significant winged symbol for Native Americans.

The eagle is the most powerful and courageous bird in the world. As a result, Native Americans adopted the eagle and its feathers as an emblem of the most excellent, cleverest, most powerful, and most holy. Eagle feathers are given in honor in Native American culture, and the feathers are worn with dignity and pride. They are treated with great deference.

If a feather is dropped during a dance, a special ceremony has to be performed to retrieve it. The owner must also swear not to repeat the error.

Additionally, the feather from the great eagle is used to adorn the sacred pipe. This is done to place the presence of the Great Spirit.

Eagle wings and feathers are used uniquely in Native American culture due to the eagle’s high symbolic value. For example, when these items are held over a person’s head, it indicates that the individual is courageous or is wished courage and contentment. Likewise, to wave it over everyone present signifies a wish for happiness, prosperity, and peace.

Dream Catcher 

The Great Plains Native Americans believe that the air is filled with good and bad dreams. According to the legend of the dreamcatcher, good plans transfer through the center hole to the person who is sleeping. The bad dreams are vanquished upon dawn.

Kachina

Hopi katsina or kachina are over 500 divine and ancestral spirit beings that interact with humans in the Hopi tradition. Each Pueblo culture has its distinct kachina shapes and varieties.

Kachinas are believed to spend half of each year with the tribe. Kachinas allow humans to see them if men conduct a traditional ritual while dressed in kachina masks and other specific regalia. The spirit-being portrayed on the mask is believed to be physically present. The kachina helps transform the person conducting the ritual.

Kachinas are also represented by carved-wood dolls typically made by a tribe’s men and given to females. In turn, the males of the tribe receive arrows and bows. These wooden Kachina dolls teach students about the kachinas’ symbolisms and identities. The spirit’s identity is revealed not by the doll’s body shape.