Unlike other cultures, Native Americans have considered spiders to be protectors.
The thread often connects to the hoop in eight points as a tribute to the eight legs of a spider. The Ojibwe tribe is responsible for the creation of the spiritual item and their inspiration originates from spiders, which is why the woven thread in the center of the dream catcher resembles a spider web. Some have leather wrapped around the wooden portion which is often an indication of its authenticity. But what is the real meaning behind dream catchers and should consumerist culture be profiting from Native American culture?Īuthentic dream catchers are made with a wooden hoop, usually made out of willow, and often have sacred objects (beads, feathers) hanging beneath the center of the circle. Aesthetically it’s understandable they’re attractive, they involve dreams and have beautiful beads or feathers attached to a round intricate woven net. No longer an exclusive Native American icon, dreamcatchers can be seen on phone covers, necklaces, clothes, tattoos and a number of other products.
