Beaded Medallions

Beaded medallions are a Pan-Indian cultural object worn by American Indians from many tribes and nations across North America. Medallions are worn by all genders and ages, and are usually custom-made for the individual wearer-owner (though medallions can also be passed down among family members). Joy has beaded numerous medallions for friends, family and Native people who commission her to make medallions for them. When designing a medallion, Joy gives careful consideration to the individual’s tribal affiliation as well as band or moiety and family membership, as each of these socio-political organizations bestow specific choices in the use of colors and motifs.

But American Indians do not define themselves solely according to their tribes-nations and families. They are also members of the military, professions and trades, and educational-cultural institutions, as well as participants in contemporary popular culture. Hence, you will see that some of Joy’s commissioners have asked her to design and make beaded medallions reflecting these complex, multiple identifications.

Turtle Island medallion (2018) for Preston Tonepahhote III (Kiowa, Oneida)

Pride Runs Deep Navy medallion (2018), for Preston Tonepahhote II (Kiowa)

Medical EMS medallion (2019) for Ralph Melendez (Taino)

High School Graduation medallion (2018) for Preston Tonepahhote III (Kiowa, Oneida)