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Zuni
a village of artists.
. .
Zunis are known
worldwide as superior artists and craftspeople. Precious
metals, stones, and natural materials are creatively
formed into jewelry, fetish carvings, pottery, weavings,
beadwork, and other arts.
Beautiful works
are typically created at a workbench in the bedroom,
living room, back room, or even on the outside. The
production of arts is a "cottage" home-based industry,
and it is the main industry of Zuni involving up to 80%
of the community's households.
Home-based work
makes it possible for Zunis to remain in the community
with their families and |
be a part of the ongoing
traditional cultural activities. The arts nourish the
community in a material way as well as maintain Zuni
cultural identity and sense of unique style.
Buyer Beware: Zuni (and
other Native American arts) have encountered a major
challenge in recent years. Imitation "arts" made in
several foreign countries are increasingly being sold as
Zuni or Native American made.
Purchasing such fake,
"assembly line" arts undermine the true craftsmanship
and economy of Native American artists. Buying authentic
Native American arts, promotes these arts and connects
one to deep cultural traditions.
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