“Kéya’s Journey” was carved from Olive wood that had many natural voids filled with poured epoxy resin, dyes and other objects to create the shaman images, a bear claw and at the bottom of the piece a small turtle (Kéya) figure. The circle shape of the piece represents the sacred circle in Sioux lore (earth shape, teepee shape, circle of life, etc.)
The shape also could represent a shield, and the feathers carved from the wood
are frequently seen on the shield, as are d
eer antlers and dew claws which have been added to this piece.

The turtle image on this wood art is small, which holds with the tradition that the turtle is a small animal but very strong and powerful. The wild grain
pattern of the wood lends movement to
the piece and they work well with the shaman figures to represent power lines seen in petroglyph figures. In the Sioux language the word for turtle is Kéya.
Kéya, stands out as a figure of immense spiritual significance among the numerous sacred beings and symbols within the Sioux tradition. Kéya is a revered spirit animal intrinsically linked to core aspects of existence, including Mother Earth and the very act of creation.
In some interpretations, the turtle’s shell is seen as the foundation upon which
the world rests, carrying the weight of creation.

The spirit of Kéya represents the enduring qualities such as being the
guardian of life, health, safety, wisdom,
longevity, resilience and fortitude.
One of the most intimate and lifelong applications of Kéya symbolism is found in the tradition of umbilical cord pouches. For baby girls, a piece of the umbilical cord is placed into a beautifully beaded leather pouch shaped like a turtle. This practice is deeply symbolic: it is believed that when the physical connection with the mother is severed these pouches are intended to confer the turtle’s qualities of safety, protection, and a long, resilient life upon the child. They are kept by individuals throughout their lives and
are traditionally buried with them
upon their passing.

Turtle shells are widely utilized as rattles across various Native American ceremonies. The sound and rhythm generated are not just aesthetic but are a form of spiritual language, a way to communicate with and draw power from the spirit world.

I hope you enjoy “Kéya’s Journey” which will be at Santa Fe Trails Fine Art Gallery in
Santa Fe, NM this week and in time for the Indian Market in mid August”