Description
The wolverine robe features a central beaded strip that extends down into the tail. In a rich, earthly green with yellow, black, and white details, the beadwork design includes a symbol of Great Lakota Nation in the middle of the robe and at the top of the tail; above and below this symbol are wolverine tracks to represent the spirit of this beautiful and magnificent animal.
Surrounding this central strip are beaded rosettes to represent the 4 directions and whirlwinds. Hanging from each rosette are dangles of metal and glass tube beads.
Brass tacks have been placed over the eyes, giving the wolverine the ability to see in the spirit world. A dangle of metal beads and glass tube beads suspended from an abalone shell disc hang from the nose. Above the leather covered tail is a row of brass bells.
The robe is suspended from a wooden rod that stretches the width of the robe. The robe is secured to the rod with 3 leather ties.
The beadwork is done using Venetian glass beads in the lane/lazy stitch technique.
The piece is signed by the artist.
From the Artist:
"Lakota warriors respected this ferocious animal and they respected that this animal could bring down an elk or deer, and even drive away mountain lions and bears from their kill.
The wolverine is mysterious, as this hunter often covers a thousand square mile hunting range, and despite its modest size (it usually only grows to 3 - 4 feet in length), this animal is feared by many - it has very strong jaws and bone crushing teeth.
The robe honors this fearsome animal. The green beaded background in the robe represents Mother Earth. The white outline represents the North Direction, as this is where the wolverine lives. Black represents the West, and also mystery (as is the wolverine). Yellow represents the East and the morning star.
This is a reminder that the Great Mystery comes first, and before him there is no one".
- K.D. Fast Horse