#165  Unity

The four directions and/or medicine wheel is an important symbol holding mystical and protective powers for Native people. It is impossible to interpret what every symbol means to every artist, but there are universal Native symbols associated with this piece of art. Four is a sacred number. Red, yellow, white and black are sacred colors, representing the four sacred races of man. Seven is a sacred number. Feathers are sacred items used to adorn this shield. Even the six dots running from north to south in the red and white quadrants, hold meaning to the artist. The circle is one of the most important symbols known to Natives. It symbolizes life.

Artist: Mary
Tribe: Grand Ronde
Medium: Colored Pencil on Card Stock
Year Created: 2009
Created at: Coffee Creek Correctional Facility

Friends of Red Lodge, Native American Prison Art Collection.
Four Directions Series.

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