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Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Native American Forum Thread: The Anasazi Challenge
We have a Native American Forum Thread on Etsy. The Thread has been on-going since November, 2009. This spring, Kicking Bear, our wise man and mentor suggested that the regular contributors to the thread do a “challenge” on a periodic basis. Everyone loved the idea and our first challenge was begun.
This challenge was in honor of the Cherokee Spring Frog Dance. There were 28 entries in our first challenge: The Walosi (Frog in Cherokee). If you are interested, you may view all of wonderful pieces here: http://jstinson-trailoftreasures.blogspot.com/2010/05/if-widgetbox-widgetbox.html
Now, there are no” prizes” for winning these challenges. While votes are cast, each artist who enters creates their own prize…...stimulation of creative thought, increased knowledge of the topic, and pride in their resulting piece.
The first challenge was such a success that a second challege was presented. The theme for it is “Anasazi, the Ancient Ones".
I have just completed my entry. In order to understand the piece, you need to know a little Anasazi history.
From 1200 B.C. to A.D. 1300 in the Four Corners Area of Southwestern United States lived the Ancient Ones or Anasazi. The name "Anasazi" has come to mean "ancient people," although the word itself is Navajo, meaning "enemy ancestors." The use of the term is offensive to many Native Americans. There remains a great debate as to what these Ancestors should be called.
On a cold December day in 1888 Richard and Al Wetherill and their brother-in-law Charles Mason discovered abandoned Anasazi dwellings. This discovery essentially began the history of archaeology in the American West.
The grandeur and mystery of an ancient city built into a canyon wall, which they called Cliff Palace, brought professional archaeologists from all over the world to the region. Pouring over the sparsely populated Colorado Plateau, they uncovered one of the richest archaeological records on earth. There were literally thousands of largely intact prehistoric stone structures, including granaries, pithouses, cliffhouses, kivas, and watchtowers.
The Anasazi or Ancient Ones had a great society, were talented pottery and jewelry artists, architects, farmers, and built marvelous homes in the cliffs.
And then they disappeared!
Like their name, this disappearance is also a subject of great debate.
One theory is that they were driven away from their cultural centers by a “Great Drought. It is known that a severe drought began in 1130 and lasted for 50 years.
Another theory is that their migration was for religious ideology.
Tree ring study, carbon-14 dating and the study of bones support the enviornmental impact theory. Bones show evidence of malnutrition. The evidence of malnutrition is used as an indicator that they were no longer to produce food in abundance for all.
Most feel that ultimately some combination of climatic change, over population, and perhaps a social or religious crisis led the Anasazi to abandon their spectacular cities in the cliffs at the close of the thirteenth century.
There are many Native American stories handed down through the generations of tremendous migrations away from the pueblos. There are accounts of natural events and recollections of times when the ancestors lived in specific places in the Southwest. All of this oral history is correlated with historical and astrological records, rock art, pieces of pottery, and tree-ring dating.
Through these great efforts there is a high degree of certainty as to which clans built and occupied major sites, when those particular sites were built and when they were abandoned.
But why the inhabitants moved may continue to be a mystery.
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This necklace was done as a tribute to the Anasazi or Ancient Ones.
The base is done in gold seed beads to symbolize the golden era of the Anasazi and the respect for this one time rich culture that has been passed to subsequent generations.
The center focal area of the necklace is made from a dense variety of beads to symbolize the glory years of this ancient society teeming with activity and flourishing as a people. Shades of turquoise represent the sky, green represents the fertile land, and purple represents these regal people.
As you move away from the center, there are “bands” of beads that symbolize both the beginning of the migration away from the hub of these ancient cities and the tree banding that has provided information about it.
The areas of the necklace that are less populated with beads and the blank areas represent the migration of the Ancient Ones and their disappearance from the hub of their ancient cities.
At the ends are new “bands” of modern Natives who have not forgotten the ways of the Ancient Ones.
We are contemporary Native Americans who continue to respect the laws of nature. We continue to honor all living things, large or small. We continue to hone our skills and share our knowledge. We give Thanks to these Ancestors, whether they are called Anasazi or The Ancient Ones.
We band together and pray for a better tomorrow. Without this, we, like the once prosperous and talented ancient culture of the Anasazi, could see the world as we know it disappear..... leaving behind only the remnants of what was once a grand society.
This challenge was in honor of the Cherokee Spring Frog Dance. There were 28 entries in our first challenge: The Walosi (Frog in Cherokee). If you are interested, you may view all of wonderful pieces here: http://jstinson-trailoftreasures.blogspot.com/2010/05/if-widgetbox-widgetbox.html
Now, there are no” prizes” for winning these challenges. While votes are cast, each artist who enters creates their own prize…...stimulation of creative thought, increased knowledge of the topic, and pride in their resulting piece.
The first challenge was such a success that a second challege was presented. The theme for it is “Anasazi, the Ancient Ones".
I have just completed my entry. In order to understand the piece, you need to know a little Anasazi history.
From 1200 B.C. to A.D. 1300 in the Four Corners Area of Southwestern United States lived the Ancient Ones or Anasazi. The name "Anasazi" has come to mean "ancient people," although the word itself is Navajo, meaning "enemy ancestors." The use of the term is offensive to many Native Americans. There remains a great debate as to what these Ancestors should be called.
On a cold December day in 1888 Richard and Al Wetherill and their brother-in-law Charles Mason discovered abandoned Anasazi dwellings. This discovery essentially began the history of archaeology in the American West.
The grandeur and mystery of an ancient city built into a canyon wall, which they called Cliff Palace, brought professional archaeologists from all over the world to the region. Pouring over the sparsely populated Colorado Plateau, they uncovered one of the richest archaeological records on earth. There were literally thousands of largely intact prehistoric stone structures, including granaries, pithouses, cliffhouses, kivas, and watchtowers.
The Anasazi or Ancient Ones had a great society, were talented pottery and jewelry artists, architects, farmers, and built marvelous homes in the cliffs.
And then they disappeared!
Like their name, this disappearance is also a subject of great debate.
One theory is that they were driven away from their cultural centers by a “Great Drought. It is known that a severe drought began in 1130 and lasted for 50 years.
Another theory is that their migration was for religious ideology.
Tree ring study, carbon-14 dating and the study of bones support the enviornmental impact theory. Bones show evidence of malnutrition. The evidence of malnutrition is used as an indicator that they were no longer to produce food in abundance for all.
Most feel that ultimately some combination of climatic change, over population, and perhaps a social or religious crisis led the Anasazi to abandon their spectacular cities in the cliffs at the close of the thirteenth century.
There are many Native American stories handed down through the generations of tremendous migrations away from the pueblos. There are accounts of natural events and recollections of times when the ancestors lived in specific places in the Southwest. All of this oral history is correlated with historical and astrological records, rock art, pieces of pottery, and tree-ring dating.
Through these great efforts there is a high degree of certainty as to which clans built and occupied major sites, when those particular sites were built and when they were abandoned.
But why the inhabitants moved may continue to be a mystery.
.JPG)
This necklace was done as a tribute to the Anasazi or Ancient Ones.
The base is done in gold seed beads to symbolize the golden era of the Anasazi and the respect for this one time rich culture that has been passed to subsequent generations.
The center focal area of the necklace is made from a dense variety of beads to symbolize the glory years of this ancient society teeming with activity and flourishing as a people. Shades of turquoise represent the sky, green represents the fertile land, and purple represents these regal people.
As you move away from the center, there are “bands” of beads that symbolize both the beginning of the migration away from the hub of these ancient cities and the tree banding that has provided information about it.
The areas of the necklace that are less populated with beads and the blank areas represent the migration of the Ancient Ones and their disappearance from the hub of their ancient cities.
At the ends are new “bands” of modern Natives who have not forgotten the ways of the Ancient Ones.
We are contemporary Native Americans who continue to respect the laws of nature. We continue to honor all living things, large or small. We continue to hone our skills and share our knowledge. We give Thanks to these Ancestors, whether they are called Anasazi or The Ancient Ones.
We band together and pray for a better tomorrow. Without this, we, like the once prosperous and talented ancient culture of the Anasazi, could see the world as we know it disappear..... leaving behind only the remnants of what was once a grand society.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Enjoy Freedom? Thank A Veteran
Left To Right: Joni Stinson, Howard Miscee (wearing his roach*), Patrick Stinson
Howard is a Veteran, an Omaha Ceremonial Dancer and a member of the Omaha Warrior Society. Historically, no man was eligible to the Warrior Society who had not won, through the ceremonies of the Tent of War, the right to proclaim his warlike deeds. Modern day Warrior Society members are Veterans.
For the event yesterday, our friend, Howard, had been asked by the Warrior Society to be the Head Dancer. This is a high honor and we wanted to be be present to see Howard dance and receive gifts from his fellow warriors.
Native Americans of all tribes have valiantly performed in the military services of our country throughout history. Patrick and I were pleased to have the opportunity to share this day with a few of them and give our thanks for their personal sacrifice and valor in serving us. As we always say, “If you enjoy your freedom, thank a Veteran.
*A roach is a crest of stiff porcupine guard hairs with a deer-hair center that male dancers wear on their heads.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Which Is Your Favorite Walosi (Frog in Cherokee)?
This is your opportunity to view the frogs made by various artists from the Etsy Native American Forum Thread Walks In The Wind.
Kicking Bear, a Cherokee elder, is our wise man and mentor. We sit around our "cyber" camp fire while he amuses us with his wit and wisdom. Recently he told us of the old tradition of the Cherokee Spring Frog Dance. He then challenged us to produce a walosi piece to honor this tradition and the frog. 28 pieces were offered up for this challenge.
We invite you to view all of the wonderful walosi and select your favorite. There is voter widget at the end so that you may cast your vote. Just scroll down on the bar to find your favorite artist.
Those of us who participated had a great time and we hope you will enjoy helping us with our celebration of the Cherokee Spring Frog Dance.
Sage Healer http://www.sagehealer.etsy.com/
Rekamepip http://www.rekamepip.etsy.com/
Van Fleet Street Design http://www.vanfleetstreetdesign.com/
Heart Works http://www.heartworks.etsy.com/
Bead Lady 61 http://www.beadlady61.etsy.com/
Promises Promises http://www.promisespromises.etsy.com/
Clay Dancer http://www.claydancer.etsy.com/
Willow Rave 1 http://www.willowraven.etsy.com/
Willow Raven 2 http://www.willowraven.etsy.com/
Barbrie777 1 http://www.barbrie777.etsy.com/
Barbrie777 2 http://www.barbrie777.etsy.com/
Candy Thomas http://www.candythomasgourdart.etsy.com/
Debi Designs http://www.debidesigns.etsy.com/
1 Egg Man 1 http://www.1eggman.etsy.com/
1 Egg Man 2 http://www.1eggman.etsy.com/
For The Brand http://www.forthebrand.etsy.com/
Glasmagie http://www.glasmagie.etsy.com/
Howling Caterpillar http://www.howlingcaterpillar.etsy.com/
Joni Stinson http://www.jstinson.etsy.com/
Kicking Bear http://www.kickingbear.etsy.com/
MarinahLynn http://www.marinahlynn.etsy.com/
Miss Tudy http://www.misstudy.etsy.com/
Sweet Grass Valley http://www.sweetgrassvalley.etsy.com/
Spirit Bear http://www.spiritbearcreations.etsy.com/
White Buffalo Designs http://www.whitebuffalodesigns.etsy.com/
Sonora Kay http://www.sonorakay.etsy.com/
Wolf Moon Traders 1 http://www.wolfmoontraders.etsy.com/
Wolf Moon Traders 2 http://www.wolfmoontraders.etsy.com/
To Vote: Use the "white portion" of the bar to scroll down the list of names.
Click on the "dot" to the left of the name.
Click on "Vote"
To see the Results, Click on "Results"
Friday, March 26, 2010
I Am A Fairy!
My Fairy name is Tangle Rainbowwand
Tangle Rainbowwand is said to be a fortune bringer.
She lives at the bottom of tangled gardens and in hedgerows.
She is only seen when the seer holds a four-leafed clover.
She wears tangled dresses of multicoloured petals.
She has multicoloured wings like a butterfly.
Joan L, one of my Bbest Team Mates on Etsy suggested that I go to a fairy website and I would learn my “fairy name”. She then offered to do a personalized water color ACEO of me as my namesake fairy. I immediately took her up on her generous offer.
I have long been an admirer of Joan’s work. While she does like fairies, she also does wonderful paintings of birds and has a “Neighborhood Girl” series that I really enjoy.
Joan lives in Philadelphia, PA and has a store on Etsy. Joan says, “I have always been an artist ever since I can remember but not able to do it full time until recently. It is my one passion in life. I hope you enjoy what you see and remember it is made with a lot of love and care. You can view her work at http://www.sixsisters.etsy.com/
And here I am……Tangle Rainbowwand!
Tangle Rainbowwand is said to be a fortune bringer.
She lives at the bottom of tangled gardens and in hedgerows.
She is only seen when the seer holds a four-leafed clover.
She wears tangled dresses of multicoloured petals.
She has multicoloured wings like a butterfly.
Joan L, one of my Bbest Team Mates on Etsy suggested that I go to a fairy website and I would learn my “fairy name”. She then offered to do a personalized water color ACEO of me as my namesake fairy. I immediately took her up on her generous offer.
I have long been an admirer of Joan’s work. While she does like fairies, she also does wonderful paintings of birds and has a “Neighborhood Girl” series that I really enjoy.
Joan lives in Philadelphia, PA and has a store on Etsy. Joan says, “I have always been an artist ever since I can remember but not able to do it full time until recently. It is my one passion in life. I hope you enjoy what you see and remember it is made with a lot of love and care. You can view her work at http://www.sixsisters.etsy.com/
And here I am……Tangle Rainbowwand!
Now in addition to my Cherokee name, saguu gago widuyugodv, I have a Fairy name as well!
Wado, Joan for my portrait!
If you would like to learn your Fairy name, go to:
Get your free fairy name here!
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Etsy Bead and Jet Team Treasury: 3/17/10
As you know, I sell my jewelry on Etsy. Etsy has a feature called "Treasuries". A member of Etsy selects 12 of their favorite items around a theme and if they time it just right, they can "snag" a treasury. They are then called the curator of the treasury.
Etsy also has teams. The number is vast. A team is made of people who share a common interest. Treasuries are often used to promote one's team and/or team members.
This morning I found out that my Mandala Earrings (third row, middle shot) were featured in this treasury curated by one of my teammates in the Etsy Bead Team. She is Debbie and owns an Etsy store called stoutdg2. Debbie also belongs to the Etsy Jet Team and used items from both of her teams in this beautiful treasury.
Debbie does amazing jewelry design and I think she must search the world over for her beads. I don't know where she locates the amazing lamp work beads that she uses in her designs. In her shop announcement she says, "I create one-of-a-kind fun, whimsical jewelry including necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. I use artisan handcrafted lampwork beads in my designs as well as gemstones, sterling silver, vermeil and gold filled metals." You have to just see her work to gain full appreciation of the quality and creativity. I am showing two of my favorites here.
Now in order for you to see more of this fabulous artist's work, please visit her Etsy store at http:www.stoutdg2.etsy.com You will be glad that you did if you love gorgeous one of a kind jewelry made by a skilled artisan!
Debbie, thank you for including my earrings in your wonderful treasury! I truly am humbled and appreciative.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Wilma Pearl Mankiller
Wilma Pearl Mankiller was both the first woman deputy chief and the first woman principal chief of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma..
Wilma was born at Tahlequah, the capitol of the Cherokee Nation in November 1945, and lived at Mankiller Flats until she was ten years old. Her father, Charlie Mankiller, was a Cherokee, and her mother, Irene Mankiller, was of Dutch Irish decent. Mankiller grew up with four sisters and six brothers. She overcame many personal hardships and returned home to Mankiller Flats, Oklahoma, to establish herself as a political powerhouse working for the betterment of all people.
The Native community was saddened by this e-mail from Charlie Soap, Wilma’s husband:
Charlie Soap regrets to announce his wife Wilma Mankiller has been diagnosed with stage IV Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer. Mankiller is an author, lecturer and former Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. Mankiller has served 12 years in elective office at the Cherokee Nation, the first two as Deputy Principal Chief followed by 10years as Principal Chief. She retired from public office in 1995. Among her many honors, Mankiller has been awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Clinton. Soap requests that the public respect the family's privacy during this time.
As many of you know we have a Native American forum thread on Etsy to promote the Native American spirit and arts. When I received this news, I posted it there as well as in other team forum threads.
One of the frequent and beloved contributors to our NA thread, Taxcoandmore, was so touched that she created a wonderful treasury of Native American art on Etsy as a tribute to Wilma and those of us who grieve her condition. Here is the featured art:
Wado Taxcoandmore! Please visit her store at http://www.taxcoandmore.etsy.com/Perhaps you could leave a "heart" for her store. It would be a nice “Wado” for her taking the time to honor this great woman.
This morning I received this e-mail written by Wilma.
"I decided to issue this statement because I want my family and friends to know that I am mentally and spiritually prepared for this journey; a journey that all human beings will take at one time or another.
I learned a long time ago that I can't control the challenges the Creator sends my way but I can control the way I think about them and deal with them.
On balance, I have been blessed with an extraordinarily rich and wonderful life, filled with incredible experiences. And I am grateful to have a support team composed of loving family and friends.
I will be spending my time with my family and close friends and engaging in activities I enjoy. It's been my privilege to meet and be touched by thousands of people in my life and I regret not being able to deliver this message personally to so many of you.”
Wilma Mankiller
Wilma served as a wonderful example of leadership and compassion during her life time. She faced issues head long and continues to do so. She demonstrated that one inspired woman can make a gigantic difference in the lives of others. She is now serving as a wonderful example for those entering the next phase of their journey. Bless you, Wilma, for all that you have done and know that your light will serve as a beacon to us for many years to come.
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