Red for the Heart

(appx) size: 9"x.5" Material: branch: wood unknown; red ink atop unknown natural made lines; embroidery yarn: red, green & yellow; knitting yarn: red; quartz crystal; metal ring, seagull feathers - Private Collection - Not For Sale

Inspiration: ~Native American Talking Stick~
"A Talking Stick is a tool used to let people speak their feelings in a group, or it can be used to talk and listen to the 'Spirit Ancestors of the Spirit World'...A Talking Stick gives (the holder) the floor to speak. All people must 'hear you out', as well as the Spirits..." This piece was based on the ancient idea of a sacred object to aid and focus communication. Usually the object is used in two ways; in a group situation it signifies a person’s turn to speak, in an individual situation it is used to communicate with the spirit world. My creation is more specifically grounded in Native American tradition, but similar representations have existed in many cultures throughout the world and throughout time. In the Native American traditions, the object is most often a stick or small branch of a tree. An offering or prayer is said to the tree it is taken from, or the ground where it was found. The stick is then decorated with objects that are sacred to the person or the group. Many different items have been used, but it is common to see feathers, stones, paint, beads, woven fabric, animal carvings, bones, symbols and other markings. Often, a shaman then blesses the object, or a ritual is done to purify the object and infuse it with spiritual powers. [1] Sometimes the object is also described as giving the speaker special powers, such as the ability to communicate effectively, or persuasively.
~Native American Talking Stick~
Artists Notes: I chose Red as the primary color for this piece for its associations with love/heart, power, strength and joy with intention of infusing my Talking Stick with those attributes. The red and white beads on the red leather strap, were originally a necklace made for me by a former student and full of sentimental value. The woven embroidery yarn was originally a friendship bracelet also made for me by a former student and woven in a tribal looking pattern. Also included is a small silver disc that represents the moon, a traditional symbol of feminine spiritual energy. The crystal, the yarn, the feather…. Materials: branch, type unknown; dyed leather strap & plastic beads; quartz crystal, dyed knitting yarn, dyed embroidery yarn, silver painted disc metal/plastic; ink; feather, glue.

[1] Rainbow Medicine – A Visionary Guide to Native American Shamanism, Wolf Moondance - pages 61-64 and other bits of lore acquired without documentation along my journey.