Although there are many variations, a dreamcatcher is basically a small circle of wood that is tied with sinew or thread to resemble a web with a small hole in the middle. The first non-Native American documentation was by a scholar named Francis Densmore in 1929. Dreamcatcher Historyĭreamcatchers are thought to have originated with the Ojibway tribe of the plains, but many other tribes such as the Chippewa and Lakota have their own versions of the dreamcatcher legend. By learning the meanings behind these beautiful, woven circles, you can gain a deeper appreciation of the craft and the beliefs behind their creation. Several Native American tribes have tried to bring their meaning back by crafting dreamcatchers from traditional materials. But for others, dreamcatchers are simply tacky tourist souvenirs that are made in China and shipped to this country to be sold as authentic Native American crafts. For some, they are the symbol of Native American unity. For many Native Americans, they represent tradition and the dreamcatcher legends that have been handed down for generations. Dreamcatchers are the most recognizable Native American symbol in the country today.
