The earliest inhabitants of what are now known as the United States were the great tribal nations of the Navajo, Cherokee, Apache, Hopi, Mohawk, Seminole, Pueblo and many more. Each one existed independently, with their own spiritual beliefs, cultural traditions, laws, history and artistic style. Plenty of Native American gift shops offer authentic products created by skilled artisans of The People.

A lot of stores that cater to tourist will sell novelty items and products based on the iconic images of the various tribes. These are typically things like dolls wearing traditional costumes, drums, headdresses, tomahawks, dream catchers, beaded pieces, paintings, postcards and key rings. In such circumstances, those goods are generally mass produced in factories instead of created by hand.

Stores that provide quality products of authentic origin can often be found near reservations or in places that have a strong tribal presence. This type of inventory consists of items that have been individually hand crafted by artisans who have been taught trade skills that have been traditionally passed down through generations. They are constructed with great pride and attention to detail that makes each one a quality piece.

To craft as the ancestors did hundreds of years in the past, and to retain authentic quality, all materials should be natural. Some of the items used in construction are feathers, fur, leather, wool, quills, gems, stones, silver and clay that actually comes from the ground. Pieces are hand made featuring earth tones, geometric shapes and focusing on spiritualism, parts of nature, animals, stars, the moon and the sun quite often.

Basketry is a practice that takes great skill to get the quality that attracts individuals who appreciate traditional crafts. The availability of materials influenced alterations in the styles and techniques of each region. This is why the Alaskan tribes use the baleen of whales, southwestern groups utilize yucca leaves and grass, and many other areas make their baskets, jars and trays from thin wood strips.

Among the oldest forms of art known to man is pottery, and each of the tribes, including the Navajo, Hopi, Cherokee, Catawba and Pueblos, all cultivated their own uniquely distinctive design styles. Tradition and authenticity dictates that only natural clay be used and that pieces be done by hand without a modern potter's wheel. All colors should be of organic origin using plants and minerals as resources, and that shine and luster be achieve by methods like stone rubbing and pine pitch washes.

Kachina dolls are a highly desired art form are a commonly recognized specialty of many Pueblo tribes including the Navajo, Zuni and especially the Hopi. They are spiritual totems typically representing animals, humans or the sun, and are often sculpted in dancing poses. Such figurines are believed to be imbued with supernatural qualities that are capable such feats as bringing rain, increasing fertility or promoting better health and well being

Each group has their own distinct style of creating beautiful designs through the art of beading. Seed beads are used to embellish so many different things including clothing, shoes, fabrics, basket handles, pipes, drums, and to make stunning jewelry. There are so many other amazing products that one may enjoy when shopping for authentic tribal crafts.