Hand cast, painted pottery turtle purchased directly from Shawna Wilson Toya while visiting Santa FeJemez in 2017.Story behind the piece provided by themTurtle itself represents longlife and good health. On the back is the wing of an eagle which represents power and strength. Prayer feathers are used as offerings especially at locations where we get our material. We are taught to always leave something to mother earth and not take advantage of what she has provided us. There are also kiva steps. Natives were always told we cant practice our own religion so we built the kivas to hide our traditional ceremonies. Whats on the turtles feet are arrowhead kiva steps and those represent protection.The materials are clay and white sand also known as volcanic ash gathered on the reservation. Black paint is made from wild spinach we boil for 8 to 9 hours but arent able to use for 2 to 3 weeks. Red and white are clay stones we grind down to powder and mix with rain water to make paint.
