Pinolith Sea Turtle by Andres Lementino

A fantastic muted cream, black and gray cast pinolith sea turtle with turquoise inlaid eyes carved by Andres Lementino. Andres has inlaid a Zuni double sun face to the top of the turtle's shell featuring turquoise, mother-of-pearl, lapis, jet and apple coral. Pinolith aka; pine stone - is named for its magnesite inclusions resembling white pine cones or kernels ie; pine nuts. Indigenous people recognize the turtle as the symbol of Mother Earth - some Native Americans believe that the turtle contributed to creation because the turtle dove into the primeval waters to retrieve mud to create Mother Earth. The turtle is regarded as a skillful navigator through life's difficulties. Turtle medicine teaches one to go with the flow. Artist: Andres Lementino (signed) Size: 1-5/8 in. wide x 2-1/2 in. long x 7/8 in. tall #63226