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Jacqué Owens - Creation and Ms. Turtle
Category: Sculpture.
Stitches used include ; gourd stitch, 1,2 and 3 drop circular peyote and right angle weave.
Eastern Creek legend tells us that Mother Earth, when created, was covered with water. The Grandfather Creator created the turtle, to swim under the water and dig up parts of Mother Earth to form dry land. Ms. Turtle shared her knowledge of swimming with all other life forms that had been created. She became tired and fear was born into her heart. Thus came the belief that being fearful, or angry can be a driving force of the will to live.
Next Grandfather Creator, created birds. Of all the birds, Eagle flew the highest. He flew so high he could even see Grandfather Creator. Grandfather Creator was so pleased with the eagle that he breathed on the eagles breast feathers turning them soft and white. To this day those feathers are called “prayer feathers
The eagle and the hawk flew to Grandfather Creator and brought him all the cries of all creation, so Grandfather Creator gave the birds the gift of song so that all world could know peace. The eagle told Grandfather Creator of Ms. Turtles anger and the fear in her heart because she had to teach everyone to swim, and that she had become tired. Grandfather Creator told the eagle to bring Ms. Turtle to talk with him. Eagle flew Ms. Turtle on his back to see Grandfather Creator. Grandfather Creator talked with them and gave them instructions. They came back with the message that the Earth is our Mother and all should love, respect and help to take care of her. Grandfather Creator gave assignments to everyone.
The birds were to flap their wings to dry Mother Earth. The duck could not flap her wings well but she had large flat feet so she patted the earth down. The water turkey flapped her wings tirelessly all day and night. Grandfather Creator was so pleased that he gifted her the ripples of the first water in her tail feathers, and the colors of the rainbow in her wings when they are spread.
During this time, all of creation had become confused and unhappy. Everyone would speak at the same time but no one would listen. In all the confusion, one tree knew peace. She knew peace and joy. Everyone saw this and became jealous. They wanted the joy and peace of the tree, and they tried to take it from her. The tree was Cedar and she put out her best fragrance but this only made everyone draw closer to her. Grandfather Creator saw what was happening and decided that all trees except cedar would loose their leaves when the wind turns cold, as a reminder of the selfishness among everyone. When the wind turns cold and the snow falls it would remind everyone of their deeds, and when the leaves and flowers bloom it would bring a reminder of renewed life. Everyone would sit down and learn the teachings of Grandfather Creator, and Mother Earth should be respected as shall all things that have been created.