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Custom Beadwork

Custom Beadwork is temporarily limited – if you’d like to order a custom piece please email me at beadsxbeans@gmail.com – pilamaya/thank you!

Pride Collection ✨

Prints, Cards, & Stickers

FAQ about Indigenous Beadwork and Artwork

What is indigenous beadwork?

Indigenous beadwork involves the intricate and skillful crafting of jewelry, clothing, and decorative items using small beads made from various materials such as glass, bone, or metal. My beadwork is a reflection of my Lakota heritage and I use a combination of your requests (if any), storytelling, and symbolism, often carrying spiritual significance and traditional designs in all of my work. It serves as a powerful means of cultural expression and connection to ancestral traditions.

How long have you been doing beadwork?

“Professionally” I have been creating various pieces for 4 years but I grew up attending miscellaneous art classes hosted by my town’s community center in Standing Rock, and have been creating art my entire life including; beadwork, crochet, sewing, painting, sculpting, drawing, and paper crafts.

Who can wear your work?

Unless I explicitly say a certain piece (generally ceremonial) is limited to indigenous peoples only, all of my work can be worn by anyone! Ultimately it is your true intentions that are important: if you’re wearing Indigenous jewelry to attempt to deceive others into believing you’re Indigenous when you’re not, that’s appropriation, but if you’re genuinely attempting to connect and learn about my culture, then it is greatly welcomed to support and appreciate my work 🙂

Reminder for those interested in Indigenous culture:

It is essential for individuals to conduct their own research rather than relying on Indigenous people to provide personal information for several reasons. First and foremost, our communities have historically faced exploitation and cultural appropriation, leading to a justified hesitance in sharing sensitive or sacred aspects of our culture. Additionally, personal information may vary among individuals and communities, and there is no single representative voice for all of us – we are not a monolith. Doing one’s own research includes finding reading material written by us, watching videos, movies, or television written and produced by us, and following and listening to us. This allows for a more comprehensive understanding of Indigenous cultures, fostering genuine appreciation and informed conversations while reducing the burden on already marginalized communities.

Click Here to Meet the Artist