Last year the ladies in my family took a trip to Alaska and while there I became fascinated with the Raven and the images of the Raven in their mythology, therefore, I decided to focus on that idea and created my folklore quilt:
There are many different tales from the different people of Alaska (as well as other indigenous groups throughout the Americas) that have tales based on the Raven. One of my personal favorites is the Tlingit story is the Raven Brings the Sun. Here is what I found on Wikipedia regarding this particular story:
In Tlingit culture, there are two different raven characters, which can be identified, one is the creator raven - responsible for bringing the world into being and who is sometimes considered to be the individual who brought light to the darkness. When the Great Spirit created all things, he kept them separate and stored in cedar boxes. The Great Spirit gifted these boxes to the animals who existed before humans. When the animals opened the boxes all the things that comprise the world came into being. The boxes held such things as mountains, fire, water, wind, and seeds fora ll the plants. One such box, which was given to Seagull, contained all the light of the world. Seagull coveted his box and refused to open it, clutching it under his wing. All the people asked Raven to persuade Seagull to open it and release the light. Despite begging, demanding, flattering, and trying to trick him into opening the box, Seagull refused. Raven became angry and frustrated, and stuck a thorn in Seagull's foot. Raven pushed the thorn in deeper until the pain caused Seagull to drop the box. Then out of the box came the sun, moon, and stars that brought light to the world and allowed the first day to begin.
And just because I really enjoyed doing some thread work on on this quilt, here is a closeup of on the Raven:
Lastly, I attempted to face this quilt rather than do a binding because I felt that this didn't need to have anything stopping the flow.


Lovely story and lovely quilt the Raven is a bird similar to our Crow.
ReplyDeleteInteresting story love the fact you have used just the two colours. Very impressive quilt.
ReplyDeleteWonderful quilt. I love everything about it. Thank you for the story too. A new one on me, i sep love it because it has a seagull in it too.
ReplyDeleteI have always love the folklore around Raven. They are such smart and beautiful birds. Great colors and flow to your work!
ReplyDeleteLovely story, lovely quilt. The background fabric is just perfect and I agree that a facing is the way to go for this quilt.
ReplyDeletevery striking with the stark black against the bright background. Just beautiful! the flow is perfect, I like that you didn't stop it with a binding, good choice.
ReplyDeleteI love the silhouette of the raven against the beautiful background fabric
ReplyDeleteWhat a great story and perfect for a quilt interpretation. I love your Raven and how he contrasts with the sky
ReplyDeleteI think this may be my favorite of all you have done so far!!! Lovely story and gorgeous quilt!
ReplyDeleteA lovely piece and I enjoyed the story behind the Raven! thanks for both!
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