I have a friend named Randy that had a couple of really huge Turtle shells that had been used as regalia shields.  He saw some of the little medicine bags I had made using turtle shells and asked if I could make him a medicine or possibles' bag with one of his shells.  This turned out to be quite a bit of an undertaking. 

I had Randy drill tiny holes around the edges of the shell so that I could attach the leather.  I then lined the inside of the shell with black pigskin suede with a flap portion extended beyond the shell at the top that would flip over the opening and a longer portion extended at the bottom that would later be cut into fringe.  I had my son help me hold and stretch the leather across the shell while I hand stitched it with sinew.  I hand braided the leather trim which was then mounted to cover the stitching.  I hand cut the long leather fringe.  Randy was very happy with his new bag!!

Dependent upon tribal heritage, and/or spiritual upbringing, the 'Turtle' can represent numerous things. Its shell is its shield. Its slow gait is intended as a warning not to rush anything, but to wait for the right moment. Its eggs hatch because of the sunlight, and the tortoise thus points out how important it is to let one's ideas ripen in seclusion before sharing them with everybody.  The tortoise also teaches one to stand with both feet firmly on the ground connected with the Earth. Furthermore, it shows how to protect one's feelings and to withdraw into oneself. If it feels it is under too much pressure, it may even snap at and bite the encroacher. Basically, the turtle represents the ancient wisdom held by Mother Earth.  It is often a symbol  of honor, wisdom, stability, protection, strength, female power, fertility, long life, perseverance, and often considered to be able to defy death.

This is a One-Of-A-Kind Creation.

SOLD

Randy's Turtle Bag
$250.00