According to the Acoma, the Creator, Iatiku, taught them to make turquoise and shell beads that had great power, making their wearer attractive and beloved. The Creation myth of the Acoma Pueblo reflects a widespread sentiment about turquoise in the Southwestern U.S.
This transmission of the American Indian symbolism through their livelihood has played an important role in conserving and diffusing their belief system to a world that otherwise might know very little about them. Southwestern Native Americans mastered the art of turquoise jewelry creation, and their style and quality has become known throughout the world. The oral tradition of the American Indians, along with their continued fabrication of collectable turquoise merchandise has conserved a great deal of information about the significance of turquoise in the Native American culture.
Smiling Acoma Dancer Wearing Turquoise Jewelry
