Turtle(s) (Mishikee(yag)
To Objibway, turtles represent longevity, endurance and the continuation of life.
Turtle medallion
And turtles are the emblem of healers. The artist who created the medallion is Donald Chretien of Nippissing First Nation.
The entire trail marker
According to the Ojibwe creation story, turtle offered it's back for Sky Woman as a resting place for delivering her child.
A closer look at the frog atop the trail marker
This is one of 10 kilometre trail markers in the Town of Newmarket, Ontario. The wooden sculpture was made by chainsaw artist Jim Menken.
You can see Owl HERE
and Catfish HERE.
More photos from Our World can be seen by clicking HERE.
These are beautiful carvings. I always worry about vandals doing their thing. So far so good.
ReplyDeleteI see I'm back just in time for some Ojibwe beauty!
ReplyDeleteThat is beautiful. Even more beautiful is that nobody has pried it off yet.
ReplyDeleteI wondered what is Ojibwe and checked with pc p;) I found the story of turtles' back very interesting♪
ReplyDeleteWell, we have a proverb;
"Crane lives a thousand year and turtle lives a hundred years" It is from ancient China, and also both are taken as an auspicious animal in Japan.
Sending you Lots of Love and Hugs from Japan, xoxo Miyako*
It is such beautiful carving.
ReplyDeleteI was familiar with that creation story.
Love this Turtle totem ~ great shots for OWT ~ xoxo
ReplyDeleteartmusedog and carol ( A Creative Harbor)
these trail markers are so beautiful and the artist so talented...
ReplyDeleteThe trail markers are so interesting. I really like the turtle a lot.
ReplyDeleteDarla
Whaat a cool totem.
ReplyDelete=)
I would totally enjoy having something like this in my own yard!
ReplyDeletei just love these!
ReplyDeleteI love that! What a cool trail marker.
ReplyDeleteVery cool trail marker!
ReplyDeleteMy goodness, Newmarket spares no expense when it comes to trailmarkers. Chainsaw carvings are neato.
ReplyDeleteWell I learnt something today EG.. love these rustic totems and the story that comes with them.
ReplyDeleteI love it, EG! I hope the turtle medallion survives.
ReplyDeleteI like how the medallion fits so snuggly into the carving like a perfect puzzle piece. And it is so very interesting to learn about the meanings behind the humble turtle.
ReplyDeletegreat carving. I do enjoy the legends. Many truths. MB
ReplyDeleteSends out good vibes to those about to embark on the trail.
ReplyDeleteI love this one! Amazing the detail he gets with a chainsaw!
ReplyDeleteWhat a talented person! I'm sure I could only wreak havoc with a chainsaw and here is Jim Menken creating beautiful art with it.
ReplyDeleteI love these beautiful carvings!
ReplyDeleteA beautiful work of art, pics are back, sorry about that.
ReplyDeleteOh, what wonderful carvings, EG!! So much talent to be able to create such great art with a chainsaw! Awesome! Thank for sharing! Terrific captures!!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous!
ReplyDeleteit's wonderful to learn about the symbolism of different animals to different cultures. thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful piece of art work!
ReplyDeleteGosh, this is absolutely wonderful. Love it!
ReplyDeleteThat's cool.
ReplyDeleteTrailmarkers have come a long way from the bark-slashes, daubs of paint and rough stone cairns that I'm more familiar with.
ReplyDeleteIt took a lot of talent to create this. Thanks for providing the information also!
ReplyDeleteGreat looking, and useful, carving!
ReplyDeleteLove the frog perched on top. These are the most impressive trail markers I've ever seen.
ReplyDeleteThey are beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThese trail markers are fantastic.
ReplyDeleteI love the artistic trailmarker, as well as the Objibwe beliefs that led to them.
ReplyDeleteI always love turtles and frogs/toads. Someone is so talented that can do this.
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