Breathe

“Triple threat”

Penelope S. Minner, Turtle Clan, Seneca, Allegany Territory, WNY, Salamanca, NY

Graphic designer, Traditional artist, black ash basketry, beadwork and corn husk

Black ash splint, sweet grass, muslin, leather ties, cotton thread

Through my cousin, Midge Dean-Stock, I came to traditional basket making later in life, starting in 1998. It was another opportunity to work with my hands and learn more of our culture. I enjoyed learning the process. I dedicated myself more fully to my art in 2008 due to changes in school, work and family. It became more of my focus and I even began teaching, doing presentations, and sharing this beautiful art. A friend had once referred to me as a triple threat: I smiled and thought I was never a threat; I just enjoy doing my art.

Here’s a mask woven from black ash splint and lashed with sweet grass, lined with treaty cloth and leather ties. I took this apart three times, set it aside, walked away and came back to it. It was my challenge piece. Some background for some folks:

The Two Row Wampum Treaty is represented on the left side of the woven mask by the two purple splints. The treaty, enacted in 1613, is one of the oldest treaties between the Iroquois people and Dutch settlers in the “New World.”

The fundamental Haudenosaunee position was that, “You say that you are our Father and we are your Son. We say ‘We will not be like Father and Son, but like Brothers.’ This wampum belt confirms our words. Neither of us will make compulsory laws or interfere in the internal affairs of the other. Neither of us will try to steer the other’s vessel.”

The Haudenosaunee people consider the treaty to still be in effect. Tradition states: “As long as the Sun shines upon this Earth, that is how long our Agreement will stand; Second, as long as the Water still flows; and Third, as long as the Grass Grows Green at a certain time of the year. Now we have Symbolized this Agreement and it shall be binding forever as long as Mother Earth is still in motion.”

On the right side of the mask is a single pink flower and purple curls: these were added to symbolize the virus above us and the water below. We are in a turbulent time in our lives and we need to be vigilant in our actions as human beings. We can steer our own vessels and still be together. Your choices and actions will be yours alone, but they impact others on the path. Be wise in the choices you make as you go forward.

Johnny Cash did a song about the Seneca’s in the Kinzua era, here on the Allegany. I’ve attached a link for you, just in case you want to hear the story. My folks and grandparents were active in the protest of this timeframe. It was built before I was born. But at least their voices were heard through this song writer and artist.

The second submission was abbreviated as I felt the story would also take up too much room. Plus, it did seem personal, but I can share here more easily.

Breathe

“Reflections”

Penelope S. Minner, Turtle Clan, Seneca, Allegany Territory, WNY, Salamanca, NY

Graphic designer, Traditional artist, black ash basketry, beadwork and corn husk

Cornhusk, cotton thread, cotton fabric backing, leather ties

As I thought about the construction of this art piece, I thought of my folks and their folks who lived through the “Great Depression” We’d ask my mom what it was like and she couldn’t explain other than she hadn’t realized they went without because they didn’t have it before. They had what they needed. It made me grateful for all that we have. We take so much for granted in this life, while others have so very little. My mother received the knowledge of corn husk doll making from her mother-in-law, my Grandma J. She took good care to prepare them with the smallest of details, even their under garments. She braided masks and mats and salt bottles but cornhusk dolls were her specialty. She gave us a gift, passing on a traditional art that was handed to her. I took the challenge and braided the face mask. I added my clan, a turtle and a flower (which she inspired) and a mini cornhusk doll (2″ tall)

As I worked, I thought of my mom. She’s been gone 22 years, and I miss her every day. The time with the mask gave me peace and clarity; it gave me time to think about our time here. Our journeys are different and we will do what we need to get through this pandemic. The braids go over and under, woven together, just as our lives are intertwined, and then stitched together – sometimes not as smoothly as we’d hoped – in the hopes that what we create in life is successful. I’m grateful for the focus of this project and the distraction from real world problems. Hopefully, you have enough. Enough love, enough optimism, enough to sustain you as we go through this challenging time. Peace be with you as you make your way through your journey. Don aho.

Hello! It’s been a while, I know. I’ve been busy throughout this pandemic. Still making my art and contributing where I can. I’ve donated over 50+ face masks until my sewing machine conked out.

But what wanted to share was my art pieces I did for the on line campaign called “Breathe”, it’s open to artist nationwide. The masks are not intended for medical purposes but can be worn. I’ll share the first one here and follow with the second one on the next post. As they each have a story.

Breathe

“Challenging Times”

Penelope S. Minner, Turtle Clan, Seneca, Allegany Territory, WNY, Salamanca, NY

Graphic designer, Traditional artist, black ash basketry, beadwork and corn husk

Materials used on the art piece, Delicas, Miyuki and seed beads, velvet, cotton fabric and satin ribbon.

The symbols used in creating the piece represents some elements of Haudenosaunee culture, through darkness and light, left and right, balance and support, and be of a good mind. The importance of respect, compassion and consideration, thankfulness. These components are crucial in being a decent human being. To survive, we need to protect one another. By wearing your mask you also protect not only yourself but others, be caring, loving and considerate, it’s imperative to our survival. This mask is not intended for medical purposes.

On the left side of the mask, the Corona virus is represented as looming towards Turtle Island, among the sun, moon and the stars. The four directions are the blue swirls, signaling “no one is safe” as it spreads across the globe. A teardrop in the lower corner represents the lives lost to the virus. (As I placed my last bead on April 24, 2020 – 50k lives were lost)

On the right side of the mask, I chose the tobacco plant through which we send our prayers to the Creator. The Four Thunderers are represented by the cloud and lightening along with the blue beads for raindrops, water one of our most sacred elements to survive. The (honey) bee was substituted for the word because he travels where he wishes as does this virus. But through his message he is sending one of caution and hope. “Bee safe, Stay Home”. The strawberries represents beginnings and endings, it is the Creators favorite fruit and is the First to arrive in the Spring. But as our journey ends here on earth and we make our way to the other side, the pathway is lined with strawberries to welcome our way home.