Collecting Wolves

Wolves hold an honored place in Native American history. Therefore, it isn't difficult for collectors of Native Americana to find arts and crafts featuring these beautiful creatures. Pieces of art, fetishes, rugs and blankets, and pottery are just a few of the offerings found on the Internet. The angst comes in deciding just which one you want to add to your collection--or to start one.

Shoshone legend tells us that the wolf is a protector of women. This stunning piece of art by L. David Eveningthunder,The Protectors poignanty illustrates this tender legend
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The legend tells of a group of young girls who were left behind, hidden, when their tribe had to pack up and move quickly. When the girls came out of hiding and went to find their tribe, they found, instead, an injured wolf that they nursed back to health. The wolf's pack then adopted the girls and saved them from danger as they searched for their tribe.

When the warrior fathers returned to find the girls, the wolves were surrounding them. Not understanding that the wolves were protectors for their daughters, they immediately killed them. When the girls told their fathers of the mistake they had made, the warriors vowed to honor the wolf as protector throughout time, a tradition that continues today.

Eveningthunder's art is reasonably priced, so any Indian art lover can enjoy owning it. To learn more about Eveningthunder, his inspiration and his art, visit the L. David Eveningthunder biographical site.

Most, if not all, Native Americans show honor to the wolf. Much of my research reveals traditions of the southwestern tribes and nations. However, members of the Illinois Confederation, which include the Fox, Potawatomi and Cahokia, also follow the tradition of honoring wolves, protecting these animals they regard as teachers and helpers of humans. For more stories and artwork, see Native Americans and the Wolf.

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White Wolf Sanctuary, a sanctuary for Artic Wolves, is owned and operated by Lois White Tulleners. The sanctuary is supported by Tulleners' personal income, through the White Wolf Sanctuary gift shop and donations, or by adopting a wolf.

Their boxed set of 12 note cards is an inexpensive way to start or add to a wolf collection. Available from the gift shop, each card has a different picture of one of the Sanctuary's resident Arctic wolves. For $24.00, which includes cards, envelopes and shipping, you or someone you love can have a piece of artwork and help to save a beautiful and endangered species.

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