A mix of clouds and sun today, with rain forecast but by no means a sure thing. The air feels vaguely weighted with water — only a hint of humidity, but a hint is more than is usual for this time of year. It’s not enough to weight the wings of the small spirits; just enough to make them feel welcomed by pollen anxious for dispersal.
On days such as this, even earthbound creatures feel lighter, as though gravity lessens to the tiniest degree under the dampness in the air. It’s an almost preemptive feeling of cleansing, as though the dust of the earth anticipates the calming effect of the rain and so rises to join the hummingbirds and butterflies, adrift on wind and light.
Today featured works derive from such earthbound spirits, hide from members of the Hoof Clan worked by the hands of human counterparts. All are pairs of infant moccasins: Two are plain, no ornamentation; one is beaded in shades of the season, of sun and petal and storm, beads gathered and anchored and spread like the wings of tiny jeweled butterflies against a canvas of clouds.
We begin with the bejeweled version shown above, spangled in the gold of spring wildflowers against the dark red of a rising sun and the black of the thunderheads. From this pair’s description in the Other Artists: Leatherwork, Antler, and Bone gallery here on the site:
These beautiful baby moccasins take the colors of the medicine wheel: white, yellow, red, black. Hand-sewn of lightweight white deerhide by Anespah Bernal Marcus (Taos Pueblo), each is beaded carefully by hand around the edge of the sole. Two bars of beadwork in traditional patterns in gold, dark red, and black accent the top of each moc. Sole length 4-3/8″ (dimensions approximate).
Deerhide; beads
$50 + shipping, handling, and insurance
The other two pairs are more muted, the shades of the clouds themselves without further adornment — or perhaps they are only waiting to be personalized. The first is as pale white as the spots on a monarch’s wings; from its description in the same gallery:
These traditional little mocs are made of regular-weight tanned white buckskin, with firm soles. All hand-sewn by Estevan Marcus (Taos Pueblo), they feature the classic tongue and ankle laces that tie in front. Sole length 4-3/8″ (dimensions approximate).
Buckskin
$50 + shipping, handling, and insurance
The second plain pair is a slightly darker shade, the ivory that edges the wings of a mourning cloak. From its description:
These tiny little mocs are made of tan (and tanned) buckskin, of regular weight and with firm soles. Hand-sewn by Estevan Marcus (Taos Pueblo), they’re made with the classic tongue for on-and-off ease, laced traditionally around the ankle to tie in front. Sole length 4-3/8″ (dimensions approximate).
Buckskin
$50 + shipping, handling, and insurance
From birth we are earthbound spirits, unable to lift ourselves into the air to soar upon the winds. Our feet are fragile, in need of protection; even the earth with which are bodies and spirits are so intimately braided is often inhospitable to us. But at this time of year, we have the chance to let our spirits rise, to float adrift beneath the clouds, to hover amid the beat of a butterfly’s wings.
We can dress ourselves, and our children, for the task: in pale velvety hide and the beaded jewels of flowers and flight.
~ Aji
All content, including photos and text, are copyright Wings and Aji, 2019; all rights reserved. Nothing herein may used or reproduced in any form without the express written permission of the owner.
