Cankita Gallery
Here is a selection of some of my hand-crafted fretwork which I hope you enjoy.
Select the item name to view in the gallery window or for a larger picture and full description select the button to the right of the name
Cankita produce hand made crafts inspired by Native American culture. These crafts reflect the plight of the Native American in the End of the Trail and the pride of the Native American in Wolf Chief. Other pieces represent animals associated with Native American belief such as the bison, coyote and eagle. Our Bald Eagle is proud and strong, the bison reflects a time when Native American culture was at its strongest. Although these crafts are not Native American in origin we believe that they represent our respect for and interest in the Native American culture. Native American people respected the wolf, the bison and the eagle and were proud to be associated with these creatures. In many cases it was the Native American belief that the wearer of an animal skin became that animal and so it is with our Wolf Chief.
Aside from our craft products we also try to share our interest in Native American music with reviews of contemporary music with a Native American influence. Brule, Walela, Robbie Robertson all feature in our Native American music reviews. Our section on Native American books describes essential books that should be read by all of those interested in Native American history and culture. Finally our links provide a gateway to many other Native American sites that we recommend.
Bald Eagle
This magnificent eagle's head is 5½" high by 5" across and is made from Bird's Eye Maple or Sycamore with the beak and eye of English Yew and the body of Pau Rosa. Woods for this piece may vary according to availability but will retain the same style. This is a wall-hanging piece.
Sacred Bear
A stylised Native American symbol of the bear with the lightning symbolising it's speed and strength. Stands approximately 5" high by 3¾" across
View item in English Yew
View item in African Padauk
Wolf Chief
Standing proud and adopting the character of the wolf this powerful warrior is made with American Black Walnut, American Cherry and African Padauk with on onlay of rare Brazilian Tulipwood. A wall-hanging piece which is 8'' high by 5'' across
Buffalo
Once inhabiting the plains in their millions before the white man came the buffalo is still a powerful symbol evoking the way of life of the plains tribes. This powerful animal is in American Black Walnut and Pau Rosa with a base of Cherry and Wenge. A free-standing piece approximately 8'' wide by 4¾'' high.
Coyote Canyon
In a distant canyon the coyotes howl as the moon rises. A multi-layered piece with the moon in Maple above a background of American Black Walnut. The middle ground is in American Cherry and foreground is Sycamore. Standing on a base of African Walnut. This free-standing piece is 6½'' across by 5¼'' high.
Four Winds
Four winds represents us all and especially the Native peoples of the Americas. The blue hanging thread echoes the sky above the circle of the earth which encloses the four winds, the four directions or the four seasons. From this hang strands which represent the four peoples of the world - white, black, yellow and red. The woods have been chosen to reflect the Native peoples of America who have always understood the true relationship between man and the earth. The main circle is made from North American Tulipwood and the feathers are rare woods from Mexico and Brazil. This piece is 10'' by 3¼'' and can be hung on a wall or where the wind can catch the feathers.
End of
the Trail
This symbol of the exhausted warrior has come to mean many things to many people but it evokes strong emotions whatever the meaning. Our version here is in
English Yew, a beautiful wood with many different markings. A free-standing piece 6½'' high by 6'' across
Read
about End of the Trail
Coyote
Coyote, the trickster, is often heard howling in the distance but with this image his song will have to be in your imagination. Made of beautiful
English Yew this little fellow stands 4¼'' high by 5'' across.
End of the Trail Multi
Another version of this powerful image, this time in several different woods. Pau Rosa has been used for the horse with the warrior in American Cherry and his lance in Purpleheart. The base is mahogany. A free-standing piece 6½'' high by 6'' across
Read
about End of the Trail
