GHOST BEADS
About Ghost Beads
Our Navajo people often use "Juniper Beads", "Cedar Beads", and "Ghost Beads" to mean the same thing. They describe the beads which are important to us.
If you drive through the Navajo Nation Reservation... you will see roadside stands. At these roadside stands, Navajo artists sell their works of art. You might find baskets, pottery, rugs, jewelry, and more. Ghost Bead jewelry is almost always included because it is very important to our people.
The Enemy Way Ceremony includes the use of Juniper. They take the green part of the branch off a Juniper tree and put it in water to boil. Then, they drink this during the ceremony.
The Enemy Way Ceremony is often performed for people who have gone off to war and returned. Veterans often have negative memories of their experience which causes them problems. They seek healing for their PTSD in this ceremony.
The Enemy Way Ceremony began long before World War II though. It goes back to when our Navajo occupied the majority of the Southwest. They encountered the European people.
The Navajo people captured Spaniard/European women and children. They distributed these newly adopted people throughout their Navajo people. The women and children unknowingly carried various diseases. Our people had no immunity to them.
Many of our people perished from their sicknesses. One of the plants they used to treat themselves (and it seemed to work) was Juniper Berry. They would grind it up and turn it into an herb to drink as a tea. It seemed as though the people who used the juniper in that way were able to survive.
This story has been lost throughout the years.
Now, many Navajos only remember that Ghost Beads ward off evil.
Meet The Artist
Meet Rena, Ghost Bead Artist
Rena is 85 years old. She strings this beautiful Ghost Bead Jewelry in the traditional way.
Sometimes Rena uses colored beads. But you can see from our supply that she prefers the more traditional look... leaving the necklaces, earrings, and bracelets mostly plain juniper beads.
Our Diné use these beads in the "Enemy Way" Ceremony.
Traditionally, our Diné say juniper beads provide protection against evil.
Also Called "Ghost Beads" or "Juniper Berry" or "Cedar Beads... these jewelry pieces are a staple of Our Navajo People.
We are always looking for more beads... but, grab some while you can. We never know when supplies will run out.
Customer Reviews
Bruno S.
"I received my bracelet Thank you so much, I really appreciate it… the only problem was that my girlfriend also loved it … so as a good man I immediately gave it to her … I’d like to order another one."
Mark S.
"Received, LOVE IT, thank you so much!"
Rena H.
"My bracelet arrived yesterday! It’s beautiful! I love it, it’s fits perfectly ☺️ Thank you."
Robert B.
"Order Delivered... I love it."
Paula S.
"I have the bracelet and I bought one for my daughter. They are beautiful and I never take mine off, even in the shower. And it still looks great after 6+ months."
Judy M.
"Thank you; my beautiful juniper/cedar necklace arrived today."
Gambill C.
"I’m wearing the Ghost Beads right now!! Thank you and I love them!!"
Tony B.
"I received the beads this morning, thank you for sending them and thank you for all that you do. More power to you and all Diné!"
Products That Tell a Story
All of our products tell a story. These products are made to encourage people to share more about themselves. We give a starting place, or we add to what is already there. Encouraging people to pass on their knowledge the traditional way. With heart, meaning, and symbolism.
OUR PROMISE
We guarantee our products to meet and exceed your satisfaction. If for any reason you are not satisfied or if your purchase is defective we will gladly work with you to get a refund or ship out a replacement. Just email info@navajotraditionalteachings.com with your concerns.