Gathering Tribes

This ledger painting was inspired by the role of Deputy Hawk, also simply called "The Hawk, played by Michael Horse in the television series Twin Peaks which he was in.

The man is The Hawk in his traditional regalia and the hawk above him is his protector.  He is praying and singing to the sacred mountains called Twin Peaks in the state of Washington.   Owls are meaningful in the television series, Twin Peaks, and are said to know everything.  The smaller log leaning up against the tree, which gave answers to Deputy Hawk, was left there by the Log Lady, an important character in the series.  The black lodge above the mountains was a place of medicine, also important in the series.  The spaceship above the mountains is keeping an eye on all things Twin Peaks. 

Document: Map of Washington State, ca. 1940s

Dimensions of actual image: 11.5" H x 13.437" W (image is on 12" H x 16" W white paper - details below)

This giclee print was created to high standards of reproduction with materials tested by Wilhelm-Research to resist fading and discoloration in excess of sixty years.  The conversation grade paper has a weight of 290 gsm and a caliper of 19 mils.  Composed of one-hundred percent cotton fiber, the paper is acid and lignin free and milled in Italy.

Delvin Leekya carved these two tall polar bears from snowy white marble standing on an onyx base.  The eyes are inlaid turquoise and the nose, mouth, and paws are jet.  Are they siblings, twins, or in love?  You get to decide! 

Size: 5" H x 3.5" L x 3.25" W

Bears are the guardians of the western gate in Zuni Pueblo.  They are associated with healing at all levels, protection, and a reminder to restore oneself during the winter months.  In some traditions a part of the bear is rubbed all over infants to imbue them with power, strength, and good health.

Traditionally, Zuni carvings are symbolically fed cornmeal.   Each Zuni fetish comes in a box with a descriptive card and a tiny bit of corn meal to tide them over until they reach you.

Eleven tufa cast najas grace this Navajo handmade necklace stamped "FL Begay" on the back.  The najas are strung on double strands of handmade sterling silver beads.  The  najas end in hands on the bottom which we believe indicates friendship.  Each one is tufa cast - more about that and najas below.  "FL Begay" is stamped on the back of the largest naja.

This necklace came from a vintage collection of Native American jewelry we purchased, and our estimate is that this necklace was made in the 1970s or early1980s.  It has been lightly polished to keep the patina that comes with age.  Items in this collection are priced significantly under market.

Size: 23" L - Center Naja  2.25" Diameter (not including bale) - Smaller Najas 1" Diameter (not including bale)

Najas are a prominent symbol in Navajo jewelry and are always the center piece in squash blossom necklaces.  I was told they are a feminine symbol, and their crescent shape represents the arms of a matriarch and the generations of the past and future.  It symbolizes ease of movement, paths of least resistance for the family, even during challenging times.  There is a sense of open arms in the shape of the naja that is soothing.  Some najas have hands on each end.

Tufa Cast: Tufa is a volcanic stone which can be as dense as chalk which has an organic texture. The first thing a jeweler does is examine a piece of tufa for any tiny fractures.  If it looks good, the tufa is cut in half and, if there is a design, it is carved into the tufa.   There is a pour hole carved into the top and several narrow vents carved into each side.  The two pieces are then bound together tightly and molten silver or gold is poured through the hole at the top.  If there are any cracks, the tufa explodes when the metal is poured in and the process has to begin again.

These earrings by Zuni jeweler Bryant Othole and Vivianita Booqua are fabulous!  The natural Sleeping Beauty turquoise is the color of a perfect springtime sky.  The drops on the bottom remind us of gentle raindrops dripping off trees.  And, the highly polished circles remind us of clouds.  These works of art dangle from Sleeping Beauty turquoise inlaid posts.  Perfect to wear for any celebration, including just being grateful to be alive.

Size: 3" L x .75" W

This 14kt gold ring by Michael Horse is definitely a show stopper!  The ring is set with a natural Godber turquoise stone.  The gold is tufa cast to create the bear paw and the band - more about tufa cast jewelry below.  "Michael Horse" is engraved inside.

Size: 10

Tufa Jewelry: Tufa is a volcanic stone which can be as dense as chalk which has an organic texture. The first thing a jeweler does is examine a piece of tufa for any tiny fractures.  If it looks good, the tufa is cut in half and, if there is a design, it is carved into the tufa.   There is a pour hole carved into the top and several narrow vents carved into each side.  The two pieces are then bound together tightly and molten silver or gold is poured through the hole at the top.  If there are any microscopic cracks, the tufa explodes when the metal is poured in and the process has to begin again.