She-len-dewa

This whimsical marine trio carving is expertly crafted from cottonwood, featuring a playful cartoon-style shark, octopus, and turtle arranged together on a smooth cottonwood base. Each animal is hand-carved with rounded, expressive features that give them a lively, animated personality.

The shark is painted a darker blue, with bright white and black eyes that give it a friendly, mischievous look. The octopus painted in cheerful pink, its tentacles curling playfully, with white and black eyes that mirror the same animated charm. The turtle is a rich green, with a contrasting brown shell, and white and black eyes that add a touch of personality and warmth.

The three carvings together create a harmonious, fun scene, resting securely on the cottonwood base, which adds stability and a natural touch. 

Whale: Represents wisdom, emotional depth, and ancient knowledge. In Zuni belief, it may also serve as a guardian of water journeys and a keeper of ancestral memory. Turquoise is a sacred stone among Southwestern tribes, symbolizing protection, healing, and connection to the sky and water. Sinew Wrapping Acts as a spiritual tether, binding the fetish to its purpose and imbuing it with strength and intention.

Turtle (Edo:wa): Turtle has always been esteemed because it carries its home on its back and goes with the flow of the river, not against it. In some mythologies, the first North Americans envisioned the continent as a turtle because it was surrounded by water. Turtle reminds us to respect Mother Earth.

Dimensions: Length: 3 5/8" X Width: 4 3/4" X Height: 3 1/4" Purchased