Turtle Medicine Wheel Gourd Bowl

Description

This small gourd bowl depicts four turtles (representing the 4 directions) traveling around the bowl with a medicine wheel on their backs. Many Native American/First Nations peoples believe that Mother Earth rides on the back of a turtle.

When Native Americans pray or do anything sacred, they see the world as having four directions. From these four directions come the four winds. Each direction has a special meaning and color associated with it. The cross sybolizes all directions.

East (Yellow) - The direction from which the sun comes. Light dawns in the morning and spreads over the earth. This is the beginning of a new day. It is also the beginning of understanding because light helps us see things the way they really are. On a deeper level, East stands for the wisdom helping people live good lives. Traditional people rise in the morning to pray facing the dawn, asking God for wisdom and understanding.

South (White) - Because the southern sky is when the sun is at its hightest, this direction stands for warmth and growing. The sun's rays are powerful in drawing life from the earth. It is said the life of all things comes from the South. Also, warm and pleasant winds come from the South. When people pass into the Spirit world, they travel the Milky Way's path back to the South - returning from where they came.

West (Black)) - To the west, the sun sets, and the day ends. For this reason, West signifies the end of life. The great Thunderbird lives in the west and sends thunder and rain from its direction. For this reason, the west is also the source of water: rain, lakes, streams and rivers. Nothing can live withour water, so the West is vital.

North (Red) - North brings the cold, harsh winds of the winter season. These winds are cleansing. They cause the leaves to fall and the earth to rest under a blanket of snow. If someone has the ability to face these winds like the buffalo with its head into the storm, they have learned patience and endurance. Generally, this direction stands for hardships and discomfort to people. Therefore, the North represents the trials people must endure and the cleansing they must undergo.

This nice little gourd bowl measures about 3 inches high and 15 1/4 inches around. The opening is 4 inches in diameter. It has a coating of polyurethane both inside and out. This bowl has been cleansed with sage and sweet grass in the Old way.
This would make a great container for beads or whatever or a great addition to your fine art collection. Signed and numbered on the bottom.

Remember that 10% of my sales go to help the St. Joseph's Indian school in Chamberlain, South Dakota.

Added on Sep 14, 2009

Shipping

ship to:	cost:	with another item:
United States	$10.00 USD	$0.00 USD
Canada	$10.00 USD	$0.00 USD

Payment methods

• 

Got a question about this item?

• contact the seller
• view this shop's policies