Medicine Bags are used to hold items that are special or sacred to you. I have made this Medicine Bag from a Red Ear Turtle (not endangered) shell, which I have cleaned inside and out and then a clear varnish is sprayed over the shell front and back.
The shell itself measures (over the top of the shell) approx. 5 1/2" L x 5" W. The bag inside the shell measures approx. 4 1/2" L X 2 1/2" W with an additional 7" with the unique hand twisted fringe that has 1/2" tin cones at bottom.
Around the flap of the bag I have beaded glass beads and clam shell wampum, with a 2 1/4" L X 1 " W turtle shell amulet. The bag has approx. 25" leather straps on each side. The color of this leather is called smoke, I have included a picture at the top of a sample to help give you a better idea of the color. Sometimes it might be a little lighter or a little darker.
Glass Beads: Traditional 4 Directions Colors
Yellow: Happiness, Energy, Inspiration & Well Being.
Red: Life Force, Action, Change, Warrior/Leader Energy.
Black: Re-Birth, Intuition, Awareness, Mystery & Promise.
White: Cleansing, Renewal, Inner Growth, Tranquility & Peace.
Shell: Improves Your Self Image, Help Organize Your Life & Increase Your Strength & Stamina.
Tins: Gets rid of Bad Thoughts, Feelings and Spirits.
Deer Leather: Heart & Spirit Connection, Protection, Sensitivity & Grace.
Turtle: Honor, Ancient Wisdom, Stability, Endurance & Protection.
My Ancestors believed that Turtle carried the World on Her Back.
You can see by the back picture that I have cut the top and bottom of the back shell off, this gives you more room to be able to reach inside your bag. The bag itself I have glued inside the shell with a strong leather glue.
Store card comes with each bag explaing the meaning of all items used. After completeing the bag I cleans and purify each bag to bring peace and happines to you. Inside I place a small amount of sage.
Please note that Sometimes on the side of the front of the shell after cleaning there are sometime small holes in the shell. This is from when the turtle starts to shed part of it's shell that in certain areas it is thin. When this happens sometimes I weave leather in and out of the holes to give it more character.
You will receive a story card that explains the meanings of all the items used. Please Note: Our Turtle Shells come from a Turtle Farm where they are raised for food. We purchase the shell as a by product, and to Honor Turtle's Spirit this Rattle is made.
I Do Not Accept Returns so if you have Any question please contact me. The Turtle Medicine Bag pictured is the bag you will receive.