The Land Dreams in Ceremonies: Reparation Ceremony #1 *Bright Angel Park*

Motanka, Gift for Land: This first gift for the land was a simple mix of naturally dyed scraps with embroidered and upcycled fabric.  Wearing headscarf, apron, sash, and embroidered shirt, the Motanka was a representative of my personal ancestral practices encountering the land in a deeper way. Seen in the photo above, she was placed in a small “cave” under Dancing Roots Tree and then covered with moss, soil, and stones.

Motanka, Gift for Elder: Three Motanky were crafted each lunar cycle: one for ceremonial gifting to the land; a second for the exhibit; and a third for “give-away.”  This Motanka was gifted to a beautiful and wise elder who at times teaches at the park about local plant medicines.  The skirt was eco-printed with blackberry leaves, and shirt was eco-printed with Queen Anne’s lace and chicory leaves.  She wears a “vinici” on her sash – a broom to sweep away negativity – and the tip of a deer antler around her neck for gentle protection.

 

Pysanka, Gift for the Land: Bands containing moons in various phases were written (“pysaty”= to write) on the egg as representation of the cycles of life and continuity.  Deer skulls act as symbols of protection for all inhabitants within this forest.  Unlike the Pysanky in the exhibit which have their contents removed (contents can “explode” if not cared for properly), this Pysanka serves as a true talisman and retains its “miniature sun” floating in the waters of life.

Pysanka and Rushnyk, Gifts to Elder: This duck egg Pysanka was dipped in two dye baths – the first being turmeric, and the second being black currant.  Written is a deer skull surrounded by forest trees and a central band with river waves inside.  The Rushnyk is embroidered with a continual band of waves representing the waters of Xwulqw’selu Sta’lo’ (Koksilah River).  At the base of the Rushnyk, leaves are embroidered indicating plants and medicines found in the park.  Both items accompanied the Motanka as gifts to the same elder.

Shadow Walking: Year 2 of ceremonies began with a fractured pinkie toe, Covid, and being served notice to move in the next 2 months. Additionally, a week after the first ceremony, I returned to the location to find the Motanka and Pysanka had been “unearthed.”

 For detailed ceremony notes, please see this post n my sister-blog, The Land Speaks.