What is this Symbol?

[sammarroq]

I have a drum that was given to me by a local Dakota spiritual leader 30+ years ago. He passed on some years ago and I never asked what it was and why he chose it for me. I think it looks like the saddle bags, which means journey; this would make sense as my life has certainly been that. Anyone know for certain what the symbol is? Thanks.

Shirley

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[DAJ42]

It may be simply a geometric pattern that your friend liked. I've seen similar patterns in beadwork from various nations.

[Tom]

It looks asthough it could be many things, there is a book called "Beadwork of the western Sioux" I'd have a look at that. Aswell see if Prairie Edge is still on the web,they used to do repr. work you may find it there.

[sammarroq]

Thanks DAJ42 and Tom for the info, I will check these sources and see if I can find similar symbols.:)

Shirley

[sammarroq]

I still have not found anything close to this design other than what I posted before. However, I did find a plethura of links that are very interesting for those in crafts, hope they are useful to some of you.:)

Shirley

http://www.museum.state.il.us/ismdepts/anthro/beads/beaded_objects.html

http://www.mce.k12tn.net/indians/teaching/native_american_art_design.htm

http://www.nativestyles.com/clothing.htm

http://www.wisdomtreestudios.com/dance.html

http://ftp.theknittree.com/NativeDesignArt.html

http://foxtradingpost.com/design.aspx

http://www.nativetech.org/clothing/moccasin/moctext.html

http://www.crazycrow.com/links_nativeam/craftworkers.php

[Wachinika]

Shirley,
I have been looking. I actually stopped in to the Historical Society exhibits today while I was down that way thinking I'd seen some diagrams of designs and there meanings but found nothing today and didn't have time to ask to talk to someone right then. I'll keep looking and asking around. Since there are Santee in this state too maybe something will come up. Is there an Indian Social Center around there that you could stop in at and ask around? Another idea...perhaps to try to find his family and ask them. I've got several avenues I'll try. Is there a story of how he came to give you such a special treasure?

[sammarroq]

Shirley,
I have been looking. I actually stopped in to the Historical Society exhibits today while I was down that way thinking I'd seen some diagrams of designs and there meanings but found nothing today and didn't have time to ask to talk to someone right then. I'll keep looking and asking around. Since there are Santee in this state too maybe something will come up. Is there an Indian Social Center around there that you could stop in at and ask around? Another idea...perhaps to try to find his family and ask them. I've got several avenues I'll try. Is there a story of how he came to give you such a special treasure?

Wachinika,

Thanks for looking around for me.

The drum was given to me years ago, so the events are a little foggy...a short synopsis of my life's story...born in Montana, lived in Reno from 6mo to 3yr, lived in MN from 3 to 8, back to MT til I was 14 and finally back to MN, where I am today. Well, the drum was given to me by a local elder/spiritual leader when I was about 7ish. I remember he used to be down by the railroad depot and he was nice. Along with the drum, he gave me a copper train. My mother told me this man was Amos Owen; he passed on some years ago.

I am planning on bringing the drum to the tribal center to see if they can help me. I will post what I find. :)

Shirley