This is a hand-carved large black and white linocut print of SkyWoman, inspired by the Haudenosaunee (Native American) folktale about the original woman who falls from the sky retold by Robin Wall Kimmerer in her bestseller book Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants. This artwork includes SkyWoman in my imagination alongside Native North American wildflowers, herbs and plants including: California Poppy, Cattails, Echinacea, Elderberries, Maple seeds, Mesquite, Dandelion, Prickly Pear Cactus, Valerian, and Wild Rose.

MATERIALS: It is printed with Caligo Safewash (non-toxic) Relief Ink on either Hosho or Lokta Paper. Hosho paper is a cultural treasure from Japan, handcrafted from natural materials. It has a rustic natural handmade feel. Lokta paper is a wildcrafted, handmade artisan paper indigenous to Nepal made from Lokta bushes, high elevation shrubs. The paper was used historically for thousands of years to record sacred Buddhist sutras. The main aesthetic difference between these two papers is: hosho is bright white, smoother, slightly heavier weight paper, whereas Lokta is off-white, with a more rustic feel and much lighter weight paper.

SIZES & COLORS:

Black Ink on Hosho Paper:

PRINT SIZE: 18" x 24"

PAPER SIZE: 20.25" x 25"

Black Ink on Lokta Paper

Print Size: 18" x 24"

Paper Size: 20" x 27.5"

CUSTOM COLOR: You may request a custom color, it will take 3-5 days to print and dry before shipping.

STORY DETAILS:

SkyWoman falls from the sky with a bundle of branches, fruits and seeds clutched in her hand. As she hurtles downwards, all the creatures realize there is no earth for her to land on... so the geese fly beneath her to break her fall. Nearing the water below, the Loons, Otters, Beavers and Fish of all kinds dive to the bottom of the ocean to try to find some dirt for her to land on but it is far too deep. Only Muskrat is able to reach the bottom and brings a handful of mud to the surface which he spreads over the back of Turtle for SkyWoman to land on. SkyWoman is so moved by the extraordinary gifts of the animals, she scatters the seeds she had brought and carefully tends each one until Turtle’s back turns into a lush landscape abundant with plants and fruits for all to enjoy which we now call Turtle Island, or North America (and also synonymous with Mother Earth). Though this story is ancient, I love how relevant it still is for us today when thinking about ways to relate to the earth and each other with reciprocity and respect.

GIFT IDEAS:

This would make a wonderful gift for an earth-goddess lover, someone who spends a lot of time in nature, someone who appreciates the divine feminine, and native North American flora and fauna. This would also be a wonderful gift for someone inspired by Robin Wall Kimmerer's book Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants.

PACKAGING:

This print will be carefully rolled in Kraft paper, packed in a recycled clear bag and shipped in a recycled cylindrical tube. FeathersandFolktales uses eco-friendly packaging supplies. A one-page insert including a description of the folktale is included with the print.

Free Shipping within the USA. Ships out within 1-3 business days.

Flat rate international shipping for $35.00

Questions? Please feel free to email diemdangers@gmail.com or contact me here. you will get a response within 24 hours.

Please note that the copyright of this work is retained by the artist.