Preparing for a shop update this week has me in a bit of a frenzy, so much so I forgot it was my turn to post here! I hope you don't mind a little reprise of a previous post about the topic of Bear. It is somewhat timely as I am featuring bears in my update on April 22 (Earth Day).
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Shop update frenzy in the studio! |
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Stringing beads... |
Some of my new Bear-inspired beads...
And now for the post I previously published on the topic of Bear...
Bear is one of the most represented animals in human cultures throughout time, all over the world. There are many meanings and interpretations. I am most drawn to american indian depictions, stories, and songs.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih4dnZ7S7etSHSI9i9qJXGOtXcbHVMF89h-hb1RPExJZlJTvXfPyRWPthQ7ZoAIrDSBUNIzW9QKzc75WWH87CXhBmFQM9LgurM-MIT7Lb8olkbQ34GNNPcw9hPA2DPuaxXJb2PDBKQfbhr/s1600/Ursamajor2.jpg) |
Vintage Ursa Major star map print |
Bear is one of my totem animals, and holds the north coordinate on my medicine wheel. Bear represents (for me), a time of healing and meditation, of embracing the dark days of Winter as a precious time to hibernate and reflect inward, in preparation for the renewal of Spring. The long Winter nights - the dreaming time - are a strong component of Bear presence, along with the stars we gaze upon, hinting at a deeper universe.
Bear has been represented in human art for thousands of years. And this includes beads and jewelry. I am focusing primarily on art here, along with a few samples of beads that have been inspired by Bear.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPUDezkmgkunO6Y_V6Bsv-PP06iBD6i_-CfTk6YIvMitd29qnN_-yzZ8y7lQLZZTacuXZBjpq0zcSKiUOkqji2XJXKe-xCn-Em1IeUonjLvl4U1WnK_facdn8FfYkanKfOrmfQTetJCBXW/s1600/1dd69c719a816e1bb4c7189e052967e1.jpg) |
Hopi Kachina Mask: Hon / White Bear Kachina |
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Haida Sea Bear Mask, Metropolitan Museum of Art |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQMSVrwPu2ZQYHbbem7Wg_wRZ5I1iqA23Jh1jCQdFfBc92Dy641msRy1-2NMMXGmqHfxF6swMcbJCwm__yG67S1e7MudS6SGP3tzqC45TsvnN8zry5DqiE4fmCTIfeMFj6PBWlpMTj5MYO/s1600/Corbis-TB002931.jpg) |
Tlingit Totem Pole; photo by Tim Bean |
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Ancient Haisla Bear totem; photo by Pete Ryan |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzNNSWWpb8I1W4qy5rApYNOTfXzeHUZvNP42lNIUtahx8L9MgNem_JMs9wBCadwrPBij09ejovpChNazuFTCnVHc10cqPcrP8o3FOnhtvyG4FoZo4p404Zs47H2Z1oFSgEGb3ctMu-kVe-/s1600/fab863701fafd5d71bceb7bc31a6c55c.jpg) |
Hopi Kachina: Hon, White Bear |
Here is an anisnaabe song: Spirt Bear Song. Not too much to see in this video as the camera is positioned behind the drumming circle. But the song comes through nicely. :) I invite you to find a quiet moment and allow your heart to join in the drumbeat, and let the song sink in.
I hope you enjoyed this brief tour of Bear. How does Bear figure in your own life and work?
I'd love to hear!
Bear is one of my favorite totem animals. I enjoyed all of your representations of him.
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