Dreamcatchers & Mandellas

What is a Dreamcatcher?

What is a dreamcatcher? Dreamcatchers are woven of sinew like a spider web within a hoop. They are decorated with bead and feather accents and come in a variety of colors. The dreamcatcher is easily one of the most recognizable symbols that is associated with the Native American peoples and their culture. Sometimes, they are referred to as “Sacred Hoops.”

Here on our website, you’ll find a variety of authentic, hand-crafted dreamcatchers, crafted by artists who are skilled at designing dreamcatchers. Hand-crafted using feathers, rabbit fur, stones, and sinew and available in a range of colors, you are sure to find the perfect gift here on our website! Browse all our Native American art here.

Once your dreamcatcher you ordered arrives at your doorstep, you will want to hang it at the head of your bed, or by a nearby window. More on Native American dream catcher meaning and history below.

Native American Dream Catcher Meaning

Considered a symbol of good luck as well as a guard against bad dreams, the Native American hand crafted dreamcatcher is found in the Southwest decorating nearly every rearview mirror and bedroom.

Points on a Dream Catcher & Their Meanings:

The number of points on a dream catcher’s woven web indicate different meanings. These include the following:

• 13 points – the thirteen phases of the moon
• 8 points – number of legs on the spider woman of the dreamcatcher legend
• 7 points – seven prophecies of the grandfathers
• 6 points – the eagle
• 5 points – the star

To this day, Native American dream catchers still have value among Native American peoples. Dreamcatchers have a rich history among various tribes throughout the centuries. Specifically, Native American dream catcher history can be traced back to the Ojibwes.

Native American Dream Catcher History

The Ojibwe people started the trend and over time, dreamcatchers (or as the Ojibwe called them, asabikeshiinh), were adopted by other tribes and cultures. Dreamcatchers were most commonly used for helping to ward off a child’s bad dreams and were typically hung over a child’s bed or crib. The Ojibwe people believed that both good and bad dreams would fill the air during the night. According to their belief, the dreamcatcher’s web would trap bad dreams or dark spirits, thereby allowing the good dreams to escape through a small hole in the center and enter the child’s dream. It is thought that the bad dreams would then burn away with the rising of the morning sun.

The dream catchers were also believed to have worked equally as effectively for adults. In fact, many Ojibwe homes had a dream catcher hanging above the family’s sleeping area in order to filter bad spirits from all of their dreams.

Modern Native American Dream Catcher History

In modern times, particularly during the 1960s and 1970s, when a pan-Indian mindset developed in the United States, many other tribes accepted the concept of dream catchers and incorporated them into their own cultures as a way of retaining traditional spirituality.

To this day, dreamcatchers are still a popular cultural symbol of warding off bad dreams and filtering through good ones. While the stories and legends of dreamcatchers may vary from tribe to tribe, the overall idea remains the same. For example, some tribes believe the beads of a dreamcatcher represent a spider. Others think the beads represent the physical form of the good dreams which failed to filter through the web and instead became sacred charms.

Dream Catchers for Sale

Shopping for dream catchers online? The Cameron Trading Post, in business for over one hundred years since our beginnings in 1916, has mandellas and dream catchers for sale. Decorate the interior of your home with these unique, authentic Southerwestern cultural and religious symbols. At Cameron, we have both large dream catchers for sale and small dream catchers for sale. Our largest dream catchers will look stunning on your wall, while our smallest ones can be a keychain!

Our Dream Catchers for Sale:

Our large and small dream catchers are available in a range of sizes. These include: X-Small, Small, Medium, and Large. In addition, most of our dream catchers for sale are available in a variety of colors. The decorative dream catchers of today still represent the spirit of the Native American peoples.

On our website, you’ll find several different styles of dream catchers. These may include dreamcatchers with large feathers or deer jawbone dream catchers. Some of them are even beautifully hand-painted. All our current offerings are below:

• Dreamcatcher
• Dreamcatcher, Available in Assorted Colors
• Dreamcatcher Key Chain
• Dreamcatcher by Maranda Farrell
• Dreamcatcher, Available in 3 Sizes
• Deer Jawbone Dreamcatcher

What is a Mandella?

Native American Mandella History

The Native American mandella is an American Indian art form inspired by the Plains Indian shield. The shield was more to the Native American Indian than just a defensive weapon. Shields were made with ceremonial care and imparted with powerful spiritual personal and tribal protections obtained from dreams and visions. Ceremonial shields were also made, not to be used in physical warfare but for protection on the spiritual plane.

The decorative mandellas of today are certainly an expression of the Southwestern arts. These Native American Indian hand crafted mandellas are lovely, colourful, and dramatic, utilizing fur, wool, beads, and feathers to create a unique and beautiful item of Southwestern decor.

How Are Mandellas Different From Dreamcatchers?

As you may have already gathered, mandellas are different from dreamcatchers. Some mandellas may also have webbing in them, however most mandellas will have fur in their center. Specifically, a mandella acts as a shield of protection, survival, and strong visions, whereas a dreamcatcher is associated with dreams.

Shop All Dreamcatchers & Mandellas

Browse all dreamcatchers and mandellas on our website to find the perfect one for a friend or family member. Can’t find what you are looking for? Our friendly team is here to assist you. Please give Cameron Trading Post a call at 1-877-608-3491 or email us at info@camerontradingpost.com today and we’ll be happy to help you find that perfect gift!