Native American Inspiration

[Kalibabe]

Okies, this was created ashort while ago for a friend of mine.

Sometimes I make somehting with someone in mind, then it sort of morphs and I find it's made for somebody different.

To me, the pieces i make match themselves to different people.

I am pagan, and have a lot of pagan, catholic, atheist... all kinds of friiends from different religions.

Now, this piece was made for a friend who has been having a hard time. This friend of mine has native american roots. I wanted to make something for her that would be special and encompass her ancestoral beliefs.

I know a lot about pagan symbology and the tyes of things that they represent and are useful for, but they just didn't seem to 'fit' for this friend. So, I set out on a research mission. I knew what I would do for myself, but needed to tailor it to her.

I decided that a medicine wheel would be appropriate for the person and for its purpose. I just needed to find the correct symbols to go onto it.



Here's a very poorpicture of it...

bamboo, sanded, burnt and oiled....

[Kalibabe]

Thing with my art, even paintings, they are tactile.. I just have to touch them :D ;)

This is so smooth and warm. I hope that when rubbed or, touched, the strength from the symbols will find their way to that person they are aimed for.

[LarrySeiler]

so...I'm curious...though I have a few pagan books and such, I am not familiar with these symbols off hand...could you expound a bit?

A nice thing to do on your part for your friend. And for oil...did you just use a tung oil then???

I've been reading a book on dreamcatchers...featuring much of the Ojibwe culture. A book I borrowed from our counselor at the school where I teach art, she being part Native American.

Seeing the four directions here...and the possibility too of it representing the four colors of all ethnicities. Is part of that implicated here in your work??? From what I've read...the number four seems to be an important part of Native American beliefs and practices.

thanks for sharing....

Larry

[gnu]

I also was wondering about those particular symbols..
I know NOTHING about Native American culture...(just a bit about Maori, Aboriginal and KIWI and Ozzie :D)
I am sure your friend will love the texture, the thoughtfulness and love that has gone into this..
I love the wood, I bet it IS nice to touch..
My son loves to choose special gifts for each person in his life too..he does not believe in gift vouchers!! :D
thanks for showing us this unique piece of art.
Gill
PS, meant to comment on the design and balance of this... :clap: :clap:

[Kalibabe]

am in a bit of a rush here so will explai fully later on.

The symbols are native american, i researched them for quite a while beforehand.

I shall dig out my notes and explan them all in detail. I do ahve some detail shots of the different bits that I can use, just bear with me and i'll give you the details.

[sassybird]

The horse represents a journey.
The crossed arrows at the top is friendship.
The Thunderbird on the right represents Sacred Bearer of happiness unlimited.
The center element is balance representing the 4 directions and the elements.
The bull on the left is for strength.
The crooked arrow under mental means swiftness, lightening arrow.

My glasses need replacing so I am unable to see some of the symbols clearly. I will know them when I touch the piece:)

Thank you, Kali. I believe you understand what my roots mean to me. I am a Christian, but I respect the teachings of my youth as having truth also:)