Description
Kevin explains, "We look upon the Elk with respect and for very strong medicine. This animal's medicine is believed to have power over the mind and heart, and is used when one needs to be strong and at one with his mate, as the male elk will fight to the death for his mate".
The elk robe features a central beaded strip of elk images and a geometric design on a black background- to one side is a bull elk calling for a mate; to the other, a cow hears his call and begins to follow him. The middle of the strip is a geometric symbol that represents the family (children) that results from this union. The black background represents mystery, the West direction, and strong medicine.
The dark green beaded elk tracks at each corner of the central strip symbolize the spirit elk which gives strength and encouragement to one searching for a mate.
The black and coral colored beaded border represents the path which the elk would take on his journey through life.
The medicine bundle to the top of the robe contains flowers and other herbs that have attractive smells from the native hills and prairies.
The beaded rosette on the left side symbolizes the circle of life and 4 sacred directions; it is decorated with a serrated mother of pearl disc in the center and a dangle of glass beads strung on a leather tie.
Kevin also says, "These are all reminders that the Great Mystery comes first and before him there is no other".
The robe is commercially tanned. Beadwork is done using the lane/lazy stitch technique and hand cut Italian glass beads. Kevin says "There are 83,200 total beads on this robe".