Available as Cards and Prints
Cards: high quality, sleeved 5″ x 7″ linen card with envelope, blank inside. Prints: fine art paper, UV-resistant ink.
You can also buy my coloring book with 24 turtles from different cultures here: A World of Turtles to Color.
Yoruba Turtle
Ijapa is a figure in many folk tales of the Yoruba People of present day Nigeria. Wise, cunning and, when deceitful, a prime example of how to not behave if village life is to be peaceful.
To see square version click here.
Keya
In Lakota Sioux tradition time is measured by lunar cycles, which the turtle, Keya, embodies on her shell. The thirteen sections on her back correspond to the thirteen moons in a year and are surrounded by twenty-eight smaller segments; the number of days in a month.
To see square version click here.
Dreamtime Turtle
The turtle is often featured in aboriginal Dreamtime stories and origin myths. Turtles can represent everything from love and common sense to the offending character in tales clarifying village norms.
Barkcloth Sea Turtles
Barkcloth is made by soaking and beating strips of inner tree bark, creating a strong flexible cloth similar to felt. Patterns are painted or stenciled on the bark with tree sap and mud.
To see square version click here.
1,001 Nights Tortoise Tale
Adoring tortoises cause the downfall of a heathcock who rests upon their island in a tale Scheherazade told to keep the Sultan from killing her.
To see square version click here.
Kurma, Vishnu’s Second Incarnation
In Hinduism Vishnu has many incarnations and is responsible for holding creation together and safeguarding it from obliteration by evil forces. As Kurma he rescues creation by tricking demons to win a massive war between good and evil.
To see square version click here.
Kikkou from the Middle Period
Kikkou is the tortoise shell pattern found in Japanese textiles of the Edo period (between 1603 and 1868). This sample is from an Atsuita costume used in Noh performances, an ancient theatrical form. I changed the colors fom rusts, gold, and copper to the soothing colors of the sea.
To see square version click here.
Turtle Medallion Kilim
Kilims are similar to Persian rugs, but are woven flat with more geometric designs. The turtle motif represents saints and protects against evil forces.
To see square version click here.
Mayan Cosmic Turtle
A crack in the back of the Mayan Cosmic Turtle is the entree to New Creation for the Maize God. A recently uncovered wall mural in Guatemala shows this scene in great detail and bright, unfaded colors.
To see square version click here.
Mola Medallion Turtle
At times the sea of life seems jagged and harsh, but the sea turtle remains calm and stable. Many cultures ascribe wisdom, longevity, and stability to the sea turtle because of its long life and ability to traverse mighty distances and still return home.
Turtle Blessings
May the blessings of the turtle bring your little one protection, wisdom, happiness & a long life.
Sayings and beliefs from Hawaii, Asia and Native Americans.
Go to Welcome Baby to check out my complete line of Baby Blessing cards.
A Pair of Flounders Marine Turtle
Only available as prints. These make a lovely set, but sell individually too.