+ Taken to the Skies +

I have just learned that my dear, creative friend & business partner "Montana-Made" has past away. I am, simply put, heartbroken.  I will take time away from my Etsy Shop & my online presence: IG & here, to process and to catch my breath.  A message to those of you who have purchased his Medicine Bags, Necklaces, Beads, or other artwork, I cannot stress enough that you have a truly special, one-of-a-kind GIFT...from a Master Craftsman whose Spirit has taken to the Skies, and whose gentle Soul will remain in each & every piece of his artwork.  Thank you for supporting him, and his Soul-Work, all these years, as it meant the world to him!

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the deepest feelings, the hardest words... words i can't express. perhaps my tears will shed the heartache. perhaps my heartache will shed the pain. perhaps my pain will shed the regret. perhaps my regret will shed some light.  you are the Sun. the Moon. the Rain. the Thunder. the Earth... and yet, you were so much More.  with Sacred Ways and Native Soul you spun your magic... i am blessed & honored to have traveled a distance of this journey alongside You. JY, i am so grateful to have found You. You mean the world to me...forever... & a day.      

 ~ Enimowa ekwe ~

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+ Northern Plains Parfleche Bags +

Happy May Day!

Montana-Made: Hunkpapa Sioux & Lakota Parfleche Medicine Bags!  

French Fur Traders coined these as parfleche, which is derived from the French word "parer" meaning defend and "flèche" meaning arrow, due to the quality and strength of the rawhide being tough enough to deflect arrows when crafted into a shield!  Traditionally attributed to the northern Plains Indians, these bags were made in many sizes & different shapes to transport tools, clothing, food, arrows and treasures. They were most commonly made in pairs and hung from saddles.  

Smaller parfleche were shaped by folding the hides into envelopes, resembling a common day wallet, then decorated with brightly colored geometrical patterns. The distinctive graphic artwork often symbolized mountain & river landscapes which were believed to have served as maps!  In contemporary usage, these designs can carry social, spiritual, tribal, and symbolic meaning and the bags may be worn or carried as part of a ceremony, dance or parade.

Beautifully handcrafted by my friend from Montana, these medium size personal parfleche bags can be worn as a necklace, attached to a belt, or hung on display.  

View them in my Etsy Shop!