Huron Bag Lady Margaret Clark-Price
 Huron Bag LadyMargaret Clark-Price

PLEASE SCROLL TO SEE ALL" HURON SPIRIT DANCERS"

If you seek a one-of-a-kind

"Huron Spirit Dancer"

Medicine Bag, or necklace, please email me at mcpriceles@cox.net

Coming soon: my new

"Prayer Baskets/Urns"

My Huron "Spirit Dancers" are a 12" - 16" tall and no two are alike!

People have asked how I create them....

I begin with clay and I use an Exacto Knife point, a dental pick and a carpet needle to fashion the facial features and then I bake the head.  I truly have no plan, design, pattern, and no blueprint.  Each "Dancer" leads me along, choosing paint colors, fabrics, drawings, etc.

(Each Dancer requires a minimum of 5-10 days to create.)

Truly, the Spirit of my son leads my mind and my hands and  

I feel an incredible sense of honor and responsibility

upon completion of each Dancer!

The Huron Spirit Dancers range in prices from $250 to $500 plus shipping . Please Email your questions re prices, commissioned pieces, etc. to:    Mcpriceles@cox.net

 

 

#36 “Messenger of Prayers and Hope” Spirit Dancer 

 

This Dancer is symbolic of all the winged creatures and all supplications contained in the Prayer Urn (painted Winged Messengers and fetishes) which are carried to the Creator on our behalf.
In each hand he is lifting a Prayer Fan used to create wind that will carry our prayers upward…..
His necklace represents the Medicine Wheel and “Ojo de Dios” (Eye of God or the Creator)…..
His headdress (with turquoise stones) and cloak of feathers pay homage to the “Messengers in Flight”….
The Prayer Urn (with bird fetishes) holds our supplications until the Messenger retrieves and delivers them…. (Included inside are glass beads, representing each prayer deposited)….

 

The wrapped White Sage is for smudging (nullifying negativity in our environment) and also used to carry our prayers in the ascending smoke toward the Creator.
The sandstone base hosts the symbol of the Bear to remind us that we must have strength and fortitude as we renew our prayers, our hopes and dreams.

 

 

 




#35 “Elder Insight and Wisdom” Spirit Dancer……

My own tribute to all elders who are “living in the shadows of neglect”….. 

 

#34 “Tears of Honor for the Lost Children and Dreams” Spirit Dancer 
Her headdress carries a dozen turquoise tears as well as tears on her face...
Her right staff hosts a blackened Dreamcatcher and a turquoise teardrop in memory of lost dreams....
Her left staff is a symbolic drawing of a mother’s loss.....
The beaded breastplate of the Thunderbird, “Cleanser of the Earth”, reminds the evildoers they are being watched!

 

#33 "Keeper of the Council Fire" Spirit Dancer
A council fire shall be kindled for all the nations. It shall be lit for Cherokee and the Wyandot.
We will also kindle it for the seven nations living toward the sunrise, and for the nations that live toward the sunset. All shall receive the Great Law and labor together for the welfare of man.
~ Deganawidah {1500-1600s} Huron 
Council Fire – The fire is that of the great council of nations over which the Wyandotte was given the sacred honor of presiding. The council was initially formed in the early 1700s and consisted of the Chippewa, Ottawa, Pottawatomie and Wyandot. In the latter half of the 1700s as the whites began encroaching upon all our lands in the greater Ohio Valley the Delaware, Shawnee and Miami were added to the council. Upon leaving Ohio and our removal to Indian Territory (Kansas) the great council was again convened. All the tribes were there and reaffirmed us as the Keeper of the Council Fire. At that time the Kickapoo and Kansas were admitted to the council further strengthening the alliance of old friends that has proven to be inseparable.
(Beaded breastplate, hand-painted skirt, polymer baked and painted headdress, real fur cape (rabbit), hand-made earrings, and red feathers on the back of her head (a little difficult to see).

 

 

 

#32 “Giver of Light and Life” Spirit dancer

 

In honor of the Creator who has given Light and Life to the earth, to the flora and fauna, the 4-legged creatures, the messengers that fly with our supplications, and to all human-kind.
May we continue to give gratitude and thanksgiving for the blessings bestowed upon us!

 

 

#31  "Enduring Love" Spirit Dancers

My tribute to my cousin and his wife and their 12 children!

Native American tribes place tremendous importance on  turquoise  (aka Stone of Life because it changes color) reying on it a as conduit between heaven and earth and symbolizes enduring love. ..... The wedding vase, holding the Spirit Dancers, hosts 2 spouts, symbolizing the individuality of the bride and groom. ..... In a traditional ceremony, the vase is filled with pure water, symbolizng the purity of the couple's union.  The bride drinks first, hands it to the groom and thus, they begin the journey of one life, one love! ..... The 12 hearts on each Dancer's "hairstring" and the 12 turquoise stones on the vase, (alongside the petroglyphs), represent the incredible legacy of enduring love for the 12 children who blessed the marriage of Don and Anna Mae, who have both passed from this earth.  (THEY HAVE FOUND A HOME!)

#30  “Eternal Light and Love” Spirit Dancer
May we all strive for Eternal Light and Love on this earth and in the next realm.........

Her headdress (fashioned from clay) is symbolic of the sun’s Light...
Her right hand holds a dream catcher with an iridescent heart of love....
Her left hand holds a painted “Pueblo Tewa”... symbolic of the Creator....
Her necklace (fashioned from clay) holds Sacred turquoise and the symbol of Eternity....
Her stand is painted with Native designs to tie the colors together....
Her dress is white fabric with a multitude of tiny stars, as is her extra shawl draped over her right wrist.
Her feathered cloak is symbolic of our “winged carriers” who take our supplications to the Creator.
(ARTIST’S COLLECTION)

 

#29  "Grandmother Deer Blessings"  Spirit Dancer   ----  (March 8, 2021) 

She finally gave me her name ....

There are pictographs on the shield and on her dress relative to the deer (look closely on her dress for the 4 children) ---- on right staff, 4 Zuni bird fetishes for my 4 grandchildren --- Eye of God (Ojo de Dios) on her left staff with Dream Catcher (Gramma’s dreams)

The antlers were a bit tough! At first, I made them out of clay but did not like them! I was “told” to roll the clay up in a ball, fashion antlers out of wire and cover said wire with the clay. It worked much easier although lots of time involved.

Her face paint and her wide eyes are symbolic of the deer. Her facial expression appears to have a sense of caring and compassion with a message of “be less anxious and keep focused”.

 In Native America, it is believed that People of the Deer are gentle peacemakers who love passionately and completely as they move softly but swiftly through times of crisis.

Interestingly, all three tribes, i.e. Wyandot/Huron, White Earth Chippewa and Shawnee, embrace the Deer Clan in their respective cultures. 

(SHE FOUND A HOME!)

 

 

#28  “PRIDE’S PRIDE” Spirit Dancer 

The pride we hold for the Greatest Country of all times is beyond comprehension!  May The Higher Power Bless all those who stand for Freedom,Our Constitution, AND The Rule of Law!!!

 

#27 “Child of the Eagle” Spirit Dancer

The Eagle, highly revered in Native America for its ability to fly closest to the Creator with our supplications, is honored by young male dancers who spend hours and hours learning the traditions of the dance as well as the correct movements in rhythm to the drumbeats. Each Dancer is responsible for creating his entire costume as well! (My oldest brother was an accomplished Eagle Dancer prior to his early demise.)

The Ojibwa people view the snake as a symbol of healing and, due to its ability to shed its skin, other tribal groups associate the snake with re-birth.

The Hopi people believe the snake is blessed with the ability to carry our prayers to the Creator for needed rain and honor this gift with their Snake Dances.

I have blended the two Messengers in this dancer.

(Eagle’s Head with feathers above beaded headband; painted Eagle Dancer on wooden disc hanging from left staff; silver feather on right staff; turquoise stone atop each staff and on top of moccasins; genuine coral and jet stones on braids and rawhide belt and on the ends of the beaded “snake” breastplate; painted clouds on pant legs; “silver-coned” feathers on edges of fur cloak; Mesquite base with matching rawhide strips. There is an anchored “stabilizing” bamboo rod running up the right leg (inside pant leg) to the Dancer’s waist........ (3 weeks in the creating process.)

 

 #26  "Re-emergence of Strength " Spirit Dancer

Symbolic of the Bear emerging from hibernation with renewed strength! 

Take a deep breath, a long stroll and refresh your heart and soul, thus replenishing your strength to ward off evil!

 

This Dancer stands on a piece of mesquite wood with turquoise stones and a bear paw;

his headband continues the design in his breastplate with silver cones;

his braids are entwined with beads and 4 bear fetishes, one of which is carved in pipestone (from the sacred quarry in Minnesota, a place which all warring tribes understood to be neutral territory while they collected the red stone for their pipes). His fur cloak is covering his right arm that is holding a painted medallion of the Bear Spirit on the Sacred Hoop background. The left staff hosts beads and another bear fetish.  There is a piece of turquoise on his moccasin. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

#25 "Forgotten Beauty” Spirit Dancer 

She spoke volumes to me while creating her and this one involved 7 days of work. She reminds me of how we have lost so much beauty in life, no matter how one envisions “beauty”.....

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

#24  “Joy of Being” Spirit Dancer 

Everyone has been given the most precious “Gift of Life” but do we realize the impact we have on others..... The true gifts of life are kindness, compassion and empathy. Live wisely!

 

 

#23 “Resurrection From The Ashes” Spirit Dancer 

He is symbolic of the Native Thunderbird and the mythical Rise of The Phoenix!

Many cultures have their own interpretation of the "Phoenix" and, in Asia, it is believed  the sighting of the "Phoenix" is a good sign that a wise leader has ascended to the throne and a new era has begun.

I am hopeful this Spirit Dancer will dance throughout the Universe and aid in the resurrection of Our Country to the Beacon of Freedom and Greatness once again!

Note: I beaded his headband on my childhood loom; made moccasins from tanned hide; created a beautiful robe and placed him on an awesome piece of soapstone!

 

 

 

 

 

 

#22 “Holy Earth Gifts” Spirit Dancer 

Native Peoples have chosen physical “gifts” of the earth as a medium of understanding between the spirit world and humans.

TURQUOISE, often referred to as the Sky Stone, aids in the interpretation of dreams, wards off evil, strengthens love and the bonds of friendship while elevating self-confidence.

CORAL imparts emotional healing and inner peace while stimulating intuition.

OBSIDIAN or JET offers protective agents against negativity and offers opportunity for change, Serenity and clarity.

 

 

 

 

 

#21 "Huron Warrior Pride” Spirit Dancer  

When going into battle, Huron/Wyandot men painted their faces red and black and added a snake to frighten the enemy. The Hurons were greatly feared by other tribes. Today, there are at least 3 different tribes of Wyandots in Oklahoma, Kansas and the Canadian Wyandott In Anderdon. Their legacy runs in the blood of all who remain.

 

 

 

#20 "GIFT OF SAGE” Spirit Dancer 

The burning of sage, also called “smudging,” is a sacred religious practice in some Native American cultures. It is used to increase spirituality, harmony, balance, and positive energies, among other reasons.

As a very young child, I remember the Medicine Man coming to the house and blessing our home and family members with his prayer songs and sage.

To buy or sell sage negates its benefits, thus, “gifting” is the traditional way to have and utilize the benefits.

Interesting to note.... it was illegal for Natives to use sage until 1978 when the US Govt. passed the American Indian Religious Freedom Act.

 

 

#19  She dances for “Change, Balance and Divine Providence” Spirit Dancer.

She is loaded with detail....

the Butterfly on her head represents Change, Balance and Messages from “those who have gone before” .....

the “Ojo de Dios” (Eye of God) held in her hands represents the “All Seeing Divine Providence” ..... she honors the "gift of life from the sun" via the necklace on her chest.

 

 

 

 

 

#18  "On Hummingbird Wings" Spirit Dancer

This was a commissioned piece for a very dear friend of mine who lost her daughter.  She so loved hummingbirds and oftentimes would sit on her front porch and hold one in her hand!

This was pure joy to create!!

 

#17  "FreedomSpirit Dancer

I cannot sing or play musical instruments. I have only one small voice to contribute! However, I have been blessed with a bit of creativity which I have used to enhance my words! “Freedom Spirit Dancer” (4 days of work! Whew!) 

Notice the words on the wooden disc!

May she dance her Prayer while twirling throughout the Universe in order to preserve Our Great Country!

(SHE FOUND A HOME!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

#16  “Ancient Voices Spirit Dancer   If only we would listen to the Ancient Ones to find peace and harmony.

 

#15 "White Buffalo Gift" Spirit Dancer

White Buffalo Calf Woman (Ptecincala Ska Wakan): The Gift of the Sacred Pipe

The Seven Sacred Rites (symbolized by the 7 small feathers hanging from the pipe) are traditional rituals used with the sacred pipe in accordance with the Buffalo Calf Woman’s teachings.

Sioux legend tells of a young woman (2,000 years ago) who first appeared in the shape of a white buffalo who gave the Lakota’s ancestors a sacred pipe with sacred ceremonies and made them Guardians of the Black Hills. Before leaving, WHITE BUFFALO CALF WOMAN prophesied that one day she would return to purify the world, bringing back spiritual balance and harmony. The birth of a white buffalo calf would be a sign that her return was at hand.

 

#14 “Cleanser of The Earth" Spirit Dancer”

The mythical “Thunderbird” in Native America is considered to have great powers for extinguishing evil.... Thunder is the sound of the flapping wings and lightning is the glint in the bird’s eye ... rather like a warning that a Cleansing of the Earth is forthcoming. Oh that an immediate cleansing would happen! ...... I painted a different “symbolism” of Thunderbird with a bolt of lightning on the white buckskin shirt and on the leggings. On the Dancer’s left staff is a bolt of lightning I fashioned from a thin sheet of aluminum.... and another bolt of lightning on the base. The face paint symbolizes angry grey clouds with lightning bolts emanating therefrom. His braids (thrown over his shoulders) are not showing because I did not want to cover the shirt painting. Braids are tied off with 2 silver arrowheads,symbolizing the Thunderbird’s Warrior spirit in eradicating evil. This Dancer appears to be upset and “on guard!” This one took a lot of my energy this time!

WOW! What an incredible review on “Cleanser of the Earth!” .....Thank you Mortakai LeBeaque!

“I agree with the statement that the Dancer appears to be upset and "on guard." Totally appropriate for what is going on in our world today.

The lightning bolt on the base is particularly striking because it is white on black and stands out. In viewing the "whole" dancer from a distance, you appreciate the warrior nature. But the warrior nature is not combative but rather righteous reckoning

The message you were moved to create is heard loud and clear. Looking at the dancer, he portrays many of the feelings inside of me. Good job. Let's hope soon you will be led to create a dancer of love and light.”

 

#13 “Bear Medicine for Peace Spirit Dancer

The Medicine Wheel (also referred to as the Sacred Hoop) in Native America has been utilized by numerous tribes as a healing tool for sickness, balance and harmony and a means by which to bring about peace among all people.

Each of the Four Directions (East, South, West, and North) is represented by a color such as black, red, yellow, and white. Interestingly, for some tribes, the colors stand for the human race. The Directions can also symbolize: Stages of life: birth, youth, adult (or elder), death. Seasons of the year: spring, summer, winter, fall. Aspects of life: spiritual, emotional, intellectual, physical. Elements of nature: fire (or sun), air, water, and earth. Animals: Eagle, Bear, Wolf, Buffalo and many others. Ceremonial plants: tobacco, sweet grass, sage, cedar.

 

#12  “Native Guardian Spirit Dancer” .... For my White Earth Chippewa cousin living in Idaho who was given the name “Wolf Protector of The People.” 

I would never disrespect his tribal name by using it on this Spirit Dancer.....a slight altercation instead ... I painted the wolf on the rawhide shirt rather than use his name in the title.       
The 2 round discs on his left staff symbolize the logos of his two tribes, Sioux and Chippewa. The feathers on his right staff symbolize our feathered Messengers to the Creator, carrying supplications on our behalf.
The Dancer stands amid rocks on the base symbolizing his grounded commitment to his people.       
I felt so honored to create this for him - especially knowing about the hundreds of people from many tribes whom he has helped to get enrolled in their tribes!!
 
 
#11 This has been an extremely loooong and extra-hot and dry 2020 summer.... the end is on the horizon! In the meantime, perhaps Conjuring Rain Spirit Dancer can join forces with our feathered friends (left staff) and send supplications for numerous raindrops! (Left staff). Her beaded adornments symbolize the glistening rain as symbolized in the painting on her buckskin shirt (rain clouds, lightning and rain) The brown stand represents the brown earth awaiting the “greening from the much-needed rain” needed everywhere!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
#10 “Native Enchantment Spirit Dancer"
Shades of lavender.... beaded hemline, beautiful amethyst necklace with a tiny Dream Catcher ... beaded belt ... agate bear on top of her left staff. Right staff hosts glass beads .... she is magical!

 

#9 Just completed Orion’s Belt Spirit Dancer" ..... The Ojibwa (Chippewa) People call this constellation “Kabibona'kan,” the Winter Maker, as its presence in the night sky heralds winter. In December of 2011, Orion seemed to appear in the Eastern Sky after I returned home from NY where Stafford’s last words to me were: “It’s alright Mom. Now I just need to take a nap.” I search for Orion’s Belt every Winter and sure enough, there are the 3 Kings (some say sisters) shining as brightly as Stafford’s smile! .... I envision my 3 Kings (my sons) looking over me . Surely this “Spirit Dancer” is gliding through space and time around the 3 Kings with everlasting gifts of love and light! (The winged creatures carry all supplications, thus, 3 birds for my sons.)
#8 “Creation 1” seemed lonely so, it was only right that I gave him company - thus Creation 2 Spirit Dancer”.....

 

There is so much detail... a necklace with white quartz & orchid amethyst stones with a turtle (again, Huron/Wyandot legend of Creation )... silver beads on her braid ribbons, silver “jingles” on her belt, her dress matches His shawl, her cloak matches His shirt. Her staff has beautiful feathers & she holds the promise of newness via the buds on the branches in her right hand. On her base is yet another turtle on the “world”....... notice the face paint tying them together!..... (I may have neglected to explain his base... it reminded me of the ocean and the floor below from where the turtle arose with humanity on its back! The seashells on the sand - and his seashell necklace - symbolize the gifts from the blue depths.) ... As I worked on her, I felt it only right that he was on the art table directing my hand. They both guided me and I could almost feel their growing bond as I worked for the past 3 days! (SHE HAS FOUND A HOME!)

 

 

 

#7 I am trying my best to avoid this ugly world by staying at my art table until the wee hours of each morning! 3 am last night!

I just completed

"Creation 1" Spirit Dancer .....

Based upon the Huron Creation Story wherein all of creation was brought upon the back of the turtle from the oceans to land.
There is a turtle on the sand-filled base and painted on the face of the Dancer. In addition, the Hope within Creation is symbolized by the bird in the Branch. (HE HAS FOUND A HOME!)

 

#6 "Red Sun" Spirit Dancer is only about 7” tall ......

but she is a giant with her message.... even her expression is sad.... In her right hand is a small painting I did and I was a bit surprised to see that the sun appears to be ominous. There are two gorgeous beads on her white-rope-wrapped Staff ... two orbs in space? None of this was planned.... it just “happened!”

 

(SHE HAS FOUND A HOME!!!!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

#5 The "Golden Harvest Spirit Dancer" is on the horizon!

 

This Spirit Dancer will aid in healthy crops! She is holding a “cornstalk basket” filled with Indian corn and pine cones. The Paiute Indians in Nevada host the pine nut festival each year!

Pine nuts and corn are “staples” in tribal communities.

 

 

#4 Wow and Wow!! This is Bear Spirit Dancer .... I felt so many emotions while creating her! This was truly a 4-day “affair of the spirits”!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

#3  Blessings of Liberty” Spirit Dancer is in honor of ALL Americans fighting for Freedom and Liberty!

(SHE FOUND A HOME!)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

#2 This "Man in the Maze Spirit Dancer " is my 2nd commissioned piece and, I dare say, I have spent about 6 days creating, redoing, refashioning, and "finally getting it!" The Dancer is 12" tall, not counting the branches and stand.

 

 

 

 

#1 "Bird Song Spirit Dancer"

12” tall ...

First Commissioned Piece

My first “clay face”... notice painted bird symbols on skirt.

Bird necklace, forehead bird, bird fetishes on rawhide strips and on mask.

Way too much fun!!

These are my Huron/Wyandot depictions of the Dancing Spirits sending supplications to the Creator on our behalf.

May the spirits surround you - bestowing peace and harmony!!!

 

Questions or ordering, email


 

"Bear Spirit Dancer" on a silver concho

Honoring the Power and Strength of the Bear

$65 +$7 shipping and handling

"First Snow" Mini Spirit Dancer

 $65 + $7 shipping SOLD

"Star Dancer

Beautiful gold thread fabrics -

siver disc covered with beautiful lace ..

Imagine yourself dancing among and for our celestial and sparkling night twinklers!! (Earrings included)

$65 plus $7 priority mailing)

"Dawn Dancer" .. I worked on this piece for 3 days & the entire time, I heard the soft drumming of the dawn drums! (Hide covered disc for backing) $45 + $7 priority mailing

"Moon Dancer" on a beautiful abalone shell. $45 +$7 Priority Mailing

"Starlight Dancer

Native attire w/turq

double necklace & belt w/stars Ceremonial face paint

Brown braid

Glittery shawl

Silver earrings w/hanging turq/silver in a "cage "

($45 plus $7 priority mailing.)

 "Huron Bag Lady"

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as well!

 

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***************

 Stafford continues to push me forward and, in his memory,

I will forever adjust to the "Hole in the Day" but will "begin again!"  

"Thank you" to so many for prayers and encouragement!!

 

Click here to visit

my Blog and/or my paintings/stone work

 

 

 In memory of my son,

Stafford Clark-Price

 

"Stafford Alan Clark-Price Feline Memorial Scholarship Fund"

at the University of Illinois, Champaign, Illinois

 

In advance, thank you so much for your support!

 

For further information or to contribute to

STAFFORD'S MEMORY

please visit:

  http://vetmed.illinois.edu/advancement/giving.html 

 

 



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