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Stories
 Wedding vases
Wedding Vases were widely used by many Indian tribes in America. Many believe that as part of the ancient marriage ceremony the medicine man would prepare a special potion for the young lovers.
The mixture signified the promise of deep love and eternal happiness for the couple. The Brave and Maiden then sealed the promise by drinking the potion simultaneously from the vase, each using one spout. Wedding vases thus became a symbol of happiness and remain so to this day.
The Legend of the Peace Pipe
Red Feather has created a design, for Sioux Pottery alone, blending our unique Native American made pottery with the legend of the peace pipe. Legend has it that long ago two braves were on a hunting trip and were getting ready for return to their village when suddenly in the distance they saw a fair Indian maiden. One of the braves looked upon her with lust in his heart, but the other brave gazed on her with awe and respect. As the maiden appeared, a cloud covered the brave who had the bad intentions and when it lifted, all that was left of him was a pile of bones. To the good brave she said, "Return to your camp and tell what you have seen. Tell them I came to bring them a gift." So the brave returned home and told of what he had seen. Then very shortly the maiden appeared carrying a peace pipe. As she gave the pipe to the chief she said, "Take this and when you are among friends and people you love and trust, share it with them to show your good feelings." From that day forward the peace pipe has been among the Indian people and their friends.
The Dream Catcher
The dream catcher is used by the Sioux Indians as a token of good luck. The dream catcher is the web of life. It is hung above the bed or in the home to sift the dreams of those nearby. The good in all your dreams are captured in the web of life and carried out with you for the rest of your life. The evil in your dreams escapes through the hole in the center of the web and is no longer a part of you. It is believed that the dream catcher holds the destiny of your future. "Sweet Dreams".
The Medicine Wheel
The medicine wheel is an ancient religious symbol. The four bars identify the four cardinal directions. The number four has mystic significance to many of the plains people. It represents the 4 seasons, the 4 quarters of the moon, the 4 winds, and the 4 elements. The outer circle represents the hoop of life, the cyclic pattern of ongoing life and death.
- YELLOW is usually the color of the EAST: symbolizing the beginning of the day and of life.
- RED is usually the SOUTHERN color: symbolizing the noon sun, the good things of life, and innocence.
- BLACK is the color of the WEST: symbolizing the end of the day and of life ... a quiet time of introspection.
- WHITE is the NORTHERN color: symbolizing hardships and discomfort, but allowing also wisdom and tolerance
Indian Mandella
The Mandella is a variation of a dance shield used by the plains Indians, influenced by the herders of the Southwest. It was thought to have brought its owner good luck, prosperity, and happiness. It is made of all natural products such as leather, wool, rabbit fur, and feathers. Originally made from buffalo hides, eagle feathers and wild rabbit fur; now these materials come solely as by-products from domesticated animals.
 The Legend of the Red Clay
My Grandfather once told me a legend about the mystic red clay that surrounds the Black Hills (PAHA SAPA).
One evening as we were having our evening meal, Grandfather was sitting with his eyes closed, and then he began to speak... The Black Hills was considered the center of the universe when it was created by the Great Spirit. All creatures that lived in the sacred hills spoke the same language.
Peace and harmony existed. But as time passed, the creatures realized that the Great Spirit had given them all their own free will. Eventually, greed came to them. Some wanted to rule over the others and be like the Great Spirit. The arguments got worse and even fighting occurred. Peace and harmony was no longer among them.
The Great Spirit saw this and came to speak... I have created and given you all free will. To settle your disputes I have decided that all of you will race around the Black Hills for seven days. The one who wins this race with good intentions will be the leader.
The great race began and all creatures from the largest to the smallest were running, flying, even swimming. And as they ran, some with greed were fighting and blood was flowing. Many ignored their bleeding hooves, paws, gills, and wings as they ran over the broken ground.
As the days passed there was a great red path around the Black Hills from the blood of all the creatures. And as the last day arrived it was the great buffalo who was running first. But the buffalo didn't know that a magpie was riding on its back.
As they neared the end, being rested, the magpie flew on ahead and finished first and cried, "I am the leader!" All creatures saw that the magpie had cheated and squabbling occurred among them, each claiming to be the leader of the race.
The Great Spirit saw this and spoke to them... You have been fighting and showing hate for one another. For this you will go separate ways and you will never speak or understand each other again.
To the magpie he said...you have cheated and were not fair to the others. For this you will forever eat from the droppings of the others.
To the buffalo he spoke...with a good heart you have raced for this. I bestow upon you an honor. From this clay stained with your blood I create man. All creatures but you will be afraid of him. You great buffalo will provide him with food, shelter, clothing, and tools and he in turn will praise and honor you
Once when man returns to the earth, grass will grow from him and you will eat.
~ As told to Leonard Little Thunder in 1957 by his Grandfather, Frank Comes From War, as told to him by his Grandfather in 1900.
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