More recent Motanky
Patroness of Land and Water : This Motanka was created in ceremony, following traditional methods. Motanky are made to amplify or celebrate various seasonal and life rites. They vary in shape and form depending on the rites they are accompanying. Some Motanky (plural) are temporary -- intended to be burned, buried or released to wild moving water when their job is complete. Other Motanky, such as this one, are "permanent", and serve as amulets, talismans, and keeper of prayers, intentions, and well-being. Calling on the wisdom and traditions of my Ukrainian ancestors, and in particular, my grandparents and great grandparents who moved to Canada from Galicia in 1910, I specifically chose the fabric patterns and colors to reflect both my grandfather and grandmother's birth-regions. Traditional winter clothing incorporates fur and sheep skin, which are also found on The Patroness, salvaged from vintage furs. She wears a black Namitka (head scarf) as my pra-Baba's (gr
