Wood carving, creating a talisman has deep roots in many cultures. Providing protection in its many forms my carvings have their origins in the prehistoric Anasazi and Andean cultures. For more than 2,000 years the Pueblo people, descendants of the Anasazi have carved kachina figures. The Andean talisman are often called an illa, and like the Kachinas are associated spiritual expressions and beliefs, in particular my carvings are associated with power, health and connection to the earth – safe travels.
My carvings of Crow Mother, considered the chief kachina, symbolize leadership and guidance and carry a message of hope and resilience. Crow Mother and the Andean condor are associated with the feather that is included in the Safe Travels Pouch in that the feather is a symbol of good fortune and health.
Corn Maiden kachinas and Andean carvings symbolize the ongoing relationship between the ‘people’ and the land they cultivate. This ‘safe travels’ relationship can also be associated with the Shinto beliefs represented by
交通安全 which is included in the Safe Travels Pouch symbols.
All carvings are hand carved and painted.
View the Collection
by John Steele.
My carvings are done during my travels and are mostly sold as they are completed. These are the carvings I have on hand.
