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Southwest Style Gifts
Southwest style Foods, Gifts, Prints, Jewelry and Historical Items
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Southwest Cuisine Presents
Art, Jewelry and Historical items from the southwest United States.
Contemporary art created by talented Native American and Local artist.
Historical items shown, generally are from southwestern tribes unless other
wise stated on particular item page.
Southwestern style gifts with quality, provenance and availability. |
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The Saguaro Cactus is the tallest most unique cactus in the
world. Thousands of visitors pass through the Saguaro National Monument in
Arizona yearly, to observe this massive wonder of the Sonoran Desert. Some
may feel a presence beyond its visual magnificence. Such a sensation can
lead to understanding the Ceremonies of the 'Desert People' that honor its
spirit.
The Saguaro represents the 'Sacred Center of Life' for all that live in the
desert. It is the essence of survival for desert dwellers during the long
dry spell of summer. Continuance of life is dependent upon the summer rains,
because for months the winter rains have ceased. Relentless heat and
spiraled whirlwinds, (dust devils), quickly evaporate all water holes
leaving not a hint of moisture. It is the time when Saguaro begins its
magic.
Announcement of this 'Season of Endurance' begins with a ring of white
flowers crowning each arm of Saguaro. 100 years may pass before arms start
to grow. Beneath each flower a cactus bulb ripens to maturity, until it
bursts, giving birth to a sweet and succulent red, seedy fruit. Describing
the taste of this fruit is a challenge. My attempt of comparison with the
well acquainted has arrived at this, 'watermelonberryfig'. Saguaro's fruit
is the only source of moisture & nourishment for desert dwellers. While all
may benefit from this moment of replenishment, all still wait for the rains.
The four legged, the feathered, and even the creepy crawlers accept the
cycles of nature and respond to the rhythm of seasons with uncanny instincts
for survival. People creatures do more than rely upon their instincts to
survive, they contemplate. The nature of seasons moves in cycles and
patterns, yet too often disruptions occur. Imagine the 2 legged
contemplating about this phenomenon. Perhaps that's how ceremonies began. A
gathering of many, focusing their attention upon honoring essential life
forces that create the means of survival for continued existence. The native
Desert People honor the life-giving Saguaro through the ritual of a Wine
Ceremony.
Saguaro measures in heights of 20 to 60 feet. A rare one can be as high as
80 feet.
For weeks the people gather fruit, which is nestled at the top or these
wondrous giants, by means of long poles created from the wood of Saguaro,
called Ribs. Everyone feasts upon the fresh fruit, while much is dried and
syrup bottled for storage. A portion is set aside to ferment.
The wine is called the "Rainmakers" drink. The ceremony is a Ritual, a
Prayer to God to send the rains for their crops to grow. This wine is
sacred, the prayers sincere, yet for days the people experience a freedom
from the rigors of inhibition. It's a time to give thanks for the many
blessings of abundant years. A time to forgive and relinquish old grudges or
negative thoughts that disrupt the harmony of village life, it's a time for
letting go that which could block or disrupt the rhythmic seasons of Nature.
The clouds peak over the mountains like huge, billowy ghosts, as the people
sing & dance their chants of welcome. Lightning, thunder and finally the
rains, give birth to the continuance of life. The people grow and harvest
their crops, thankful they are here. Saguaro cycles back to its thunderous
silent stance, as ancient and wise guardian of the desert.
The life of a Saguaro can span centuries, yet upon its death another
creation of life appears, Saguaro Ribs. Slowly the spiny cactus skin peels
away, revealing a skeleton of long narrow sticks that resemble a ribcage.
The color of ribs may vary in shades of blond, earth and weathered gray.
Historic & adobe homes used ribs to cover ceilings, shutter windows, and
build fences, doors and even chicken coops. It was a useful natural
resource. Today, the unique rustic beauty of Saguaro Ribs is chosen more for
decoration than usage.
A worldwide fascination with the History and Art of the Southwest has grown
rapidly over the last two decades, along with an explosive population
development. Acknowledging the wisdom of the Ancients' to maintain harmony
with the environment, is advice that the 'Moderns' will need to reckon with.
The clearance of desert lands by developers has enacted laws of protection
for the removal of living cactus. Further protective laws my soon be
enforced because of growing Interest for decorating with the various cactus
woods. While, the opportunity of working with Saguaro Ribs draws to a close,
its value increases.
Very few people create Works of Art from Saguaro Ribs. The few I know, like
myself, share a common desire to express not exploit its rare beauty. I call
Saguaro the 'Soul of the Southwest'; the heartbeat of the Desert and its
skeleton the 'Bones of the Ancestors'.
These Creations of Art is my way of honoring this great
"Spirit of the Desert"
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