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Behind the Designs
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Legends, Lore,
& Designs
New designs this week are inspired
by legends and lore of many
different Native American cultures.
The Native art in North America
varies from region to region
according to legend, lore, and the
tools that were available for the
depiction of art. The great trees of
the Pacific Northwest lent
themselves to totem poles, and the
rainy weather gave birth to the
spirit of the Thunderbird, who
caused lightning and thunder and
storms. |
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The plants and
mud-clay mixture in the Southwest resulted in
handsomely-woven blankets and baskets, and
beautiful pottery pieces. And the Indians of the
plains, those that hunted and lived off the
land, developed a great respect and stewardship
for the earth and all creatures that lived on
it.
This week's new designs celebrate the diversity
in Native cultures and art. Travel through North
America as we explore a variety of different
regions, and the art and legends associated with
them. |
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Thunderbird
In the Pacific Northwest area of the
United States, and in many parts of
Canada, the Thunderbird is a
prevalent image. He is a powerful
spirit in the form of a bird. His
eyes flash lightning, and when he
flaps his wings there is great
thunder.
The Thunderbird is a cave dweller,
and doesn't like uninvited guests.
If anyone draws too near to his home
(which is high on top a mountain)
he'll push snow and ice down the
mountain to deter the intruders.
New Thunderbird designs depict this
magical creature in many ways:
ovals, circles, squares, and
rectangles. This powerful spirit
took many forms and shapes, so it's
fitting that the shapes of the
designs that reflect his image are
diverse, too. |
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Thunderbird ovals, circles, squares, and
rectangles - new! |
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Southwest Style
A howling coyote is the ultimate
symbol of the southwest. A series of
desert scenes, including silhouettes
of a coyote and cactus, are framed
in a border of weaver-like repeating
patterns.
In Southwest Native American
tradition, the coyote is a
"trickster," a powerful hunter and
detective. There are many stories
about this character, and you can
read more about him
here. With his face raised
up to the sky, mouse open, I imagine
him as laughing at the moon instead
of howling at it.
The repeating border around the edge
of the designs is reminiscent of
designs woven into blankets and
baskets. |
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The Great Plains
The buffalo, an animal that provided
food and shelter, is a source of
bravery and courage in many legends.
One legend speaks of a group of
Cheyenne hunters who lived near a
stream which disappeared into a
cave. The group was hungry, and
looking for a new source of food.
Three brave hunters entered the cave
and found an elderly grandmother,
who gave them magic pans filled with
buffalo meat, and showed them a vast
prairie that was filled with grazing
buffalo. The hunters brought the
pans back to their village so all
could eat.
The next morning the village awoke
to find their camp surrounded by
buffalo -- and from that time
forward, the buffalo became a source
of food, shelter, and clothing. |
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The spirit of a hunter over grazing buffalo |
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Butterfly Legend
When the creator made the butterfly,
he took the most beautiful colors
from the world: yellow from the sun,
blue from the oceans, and black from
the maiden's hair. But he made them
silent, without voice, so they
wouldn't be envied by the songbirds.
Because butterflies are silent, they
are considered to be secret-keepers.
This design shows an Indian woman
whispering her secrets to the
butterflies, who carries them high
above to share them with the great
spirit. |
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Butterflies are the "secret-keepers" |
Enjoy the stories
and legends -- and enjoy the new designs!
Deb
Embroidery Library
deb@emblibrary.com |
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