meganannedear asked: I have always admired and been interested in a lot of Native art and clothing and craft. Is it appropriate for me to wear legitimate Native-made things? (clothes, shoes, jewelry)
It is absolutely awesome to support native artisans by buying their wares, and it’s absolutely ok to wear the things that you buy from native artisans as long as you’re not wearing a million items at once in some weird mishmash and calling it your ‘Indian costume’ (yes, I have seen this happen). If you’re the least bit unsure about the item you’re buying though, ask questions about it! As what the item is and what it’s for, who would wear something like this and why, etc. A legitimate native artisan will happily sell you a pair of beaded earrings, but not a war bonnet, for example.
