Talisman Moon Bear (Small)

by Star Liana York

Medium: Bronze Precast

“The creation of fetishes, effigies, and talismans goes back to the earliest evidence of mankind. The compulsion to make aesthetic objects displays the creative spark that distinguished Homo sapiens form Neanderthals; it is a unique providence of the human mind.
When mankind is in tune with the natural environment, he is acutely aware of the strengths inherent in other species in order to learn useful survival skills . . . such as the bear for finding healing herbs, the coyote for clever prowess, the deer for evasive tactics. By creating their likeness, the re-creation becomes the physical embodiment for the particular characteristic the animal symbolizes for the maker. And, as every creature has its unique qualities, so have other elements such as stone, feather and bone, which when added to the fetish increases its significance. The object then has become the recipient vessel of the energy given it, spiritual liaison for the bearer, containing the energy. This magic spark can then be called upon when needed, whether it be courage, fortitude, clarity in vision or healing powers."