The Lumbee Jewelry Story
In the year 1998 the Lumbee jewelry was designed with the intention of preserving Lumbee heritage. The jewelry is not just an ordinary piece of jewelry, but a reminder to future generations of where their ancestors have come from. Alert ! All three styles of the ring have been copyrighted!
The year 1865 marked the beginning of a legend. Henry Berry Lowery began his war against the injustices being dealt to the Lumbee people. Lowery’s father Allen and brother William were killed execution-style March 4th, 1865. To this day it is still a mystery concerning the disappearance of Henry Berry however, his legend lives on forever.
On March 7th, 1887 the Croatan Normal School was established with only 15 students. Today it is known as the University of North Carolina at Pembroke with an enrollment of over 6,000 and growing.
On June 7th, 1956 Congress recognized the Lumbee Indians as a tribe but "nothing in this Act shall make such Indians eligible for any services performed by the United States for Indians..." As of today, the Lumbees are still fighting for full federal recognition.
On January 18th, 1958 the Lumbee Indians received national media attention for defeating the Klu Klux Klan in Maxton, North Carolina. This is also known as the “Battle of Maxton Field, at Hayes Pond.”
The two feathers represent the red-tailed hawk a bird that thrives on being free, free as the Lumbee people. This bird symbolizes the achievement of the Lumbee people through the years. The feather is also worn in today's traditional regalia among the Lumbee people.
The Lumbee ring continues the beautiful tradition of the pinecone patchwork design on the side of the ring. The Lumbee Indians are the only American Indian tribe to use the pinecone patchwork insignia. Lumbee women of the past wove these beautiful designs in quilts while hosting a quilting bee in their community. The distinct design derives its name from the longleaf pinecone. When looking at the bottom of the pinecone you can find the pinecone patchwork design.
Our footsteps follow our ancestors back thousands of years ago where projectile points, known as arrowheads (featured in the center), can be found in many communities in Robeson County and southeastern North Carolina.
The circular top represents the Lumbee river, it surrounds us and brings us life. It is an integral part of the Lumbee people. Also, the circular top represents unity among the Lumbee people. Join us in Keeping Our Heritage Alive!
Designer Timothy P. Locklear II (TPL II, LUMBEE)
