Oglala Lakota
Beaded Turtle Pendant
on leather necklace

Oglala Lakota
Beaded Turtle Pendant
on leather necklace
(ONLY ONE AVAILABLE)

NATIVE AMERICAN TURTLE SYMBOLISM

Nurturer, Protector, Mother Energy, Mother Earth. Turtle's medicine includes connection with Great Spirit, journeys of discovery, patience, feminine strength, power to heal female diseases, inspiration, protecting oneself snd others, self-reliance, and tenacity, longevity.

About Beads

Beads used by Native American artists are usually round but can be flattened (rondelle) or cylindrical. They are usually made of glass and come in a variety of colors. Most are one solid color except for European Trade Beads, which are mulit-colored and sometimes decorated. Beads are measured by the "aught" system with 1/0, pronounced "one aught", being the largest. The larger the number the smaller the bead.

Seed beads are the smallest round beads, 24/0 to 4/0. 24/0 is approx. 1/32 inch (about the size of a grain of sand). Seed beads are used mainly for beaded items and embroidery.
Pony Beads are 5/0 to 6/0.
Trade Beads are 3/0 to 4/0
Crow Beads are the largest, 1/0 to 2/0. 1/0 is approx. 1/4 inch.

Most contemporary high-quality seed beads are made in the Czech Republic, Japan or India.