Winter Update-Turtle Inspired Lakota Artwork

February 6, 2023 info@lakotarednations.com

Aho!  Like the rest of the country arctic winds and snow have stormed through Pine Ridge, as they make there way further east on turtle island. Some days it’s too cold even to go outside, much less travel. Spring seems so far away…

Inside, we’re working on all the crafts we’ll be taking on the road in the spring and later this summer. We continue to make our signature medicine bags. We’re also making traditional umbilical cord pouches.  This year we’re making them with a turtle kéya design. Turtles and tortoises are found on almost every continent come in a variety of sizes and colors. Yet there round shape remain similar and common to all of them are protective domed shells. Turtles have appeared in art and stories throughout the world. Many peoples have relied on turtles for nourishment, medicine and tools. In Lakota culture the turtle is a symbol not only of Mother Earth but also of life itself. Turtles of whatever species have an amazing capacity to live on very little and even in less than optimum conditions. The life span of some species of tortoises exceeds that of humans. Turtles symbolize resilience and longevity; blessings that we wish for all mothers and children.

Contact us for custom orders. You can reach us at info@lakotarednation.com or on FB. Each item is handcrafted here at our home and we can ship almost anywhere. Different colors and designs can be made upon request for bags, drums and moccasins. Prices vary according to size and complexity of design.