Feathers are some of the most special gifts of the natural world, and combined with the kaleidoscopic patterns of peyote stitch beadwork they are truly beautiful. Whether they are wild turkey, bird of prey, or colourful feathers from tropical birds, they all bring magic into the world.
Feathers from different birds are used in many animistic and shamanic societies as sacred objects all over the world. They are used as fans, tied onto other objects and worn on the head as crowns, this is especially the case of shamans, and the war bonnets of the Plains people of North America.
It is from the Native peoples of North America that Nicholas draws much of his inspiration for his fans and beaded feathers, many similar items are used in the Native American Church or as dance fans.
FLAT FANS
These are formed from a group of carefully matched feathers fixed into a handle which is then beaded in eye-catching peyote stitch beadwork. Plied deerskin tassels hang from the base of the fan's handle.
Theses fans are often used for smudging and blessing, as well as for healing work. The feathers used in them depends on what you ask for when you commission the fan, and what Nicholas has available at the time. Often he will use beautiful wild turkey tail or wing feathers, which are very traditional feathers, but sometimes it is possible to make a fan from crow or swan, or bird of prey, or tropical bird feathers such as macaw feathers.
Flat Fan £225
DROP FANS
The feathers in these fans are designed to float and dance as the fan is moved. They are not really suitable for use as smudging fans, rather they are used as prayer, blessing and healing tools.
The number of feathers in each fan varies from between six and about twelve, and they are set into a peyote beaded handle. A drop fan extra is also available where all of the feathers quills are beaded in peyote stitch beadwork as well, to match the beadwork done on the handle.
Drop fans are exceptional craft items which takes many days of beadwork to complete.
Drop Fan £295. Drop Fan Extra Fine £395
MEDICINE FEATHERS
A single feather may be used for smudging, prayer, calling to Spirit helpers, healing and many other medicine uses. The quill of the feather is wrapped in buckskin and beaded in peyote stitch beadwork. The feathers Nicholas uses are generally wild turkey.
Nicholas is willing to make fans for you from feathers you may already have (if they are suitable). Please email him to discuss this if it is something you wish to consider.
Nicholas does not sell the feathers he uses, the price for a fan is the price for the time it took to make the object. The feathers he uses come from legal sources and are possessed legally. With the exception of feathers from birds that are eaten such as turkey or pheasant Nicholas does not buy the feathers he uses. This is the way he was taught the medicine traditions and is especially true of bird of prey feathers which he is given or occasionally for which he trades.
Medicine Feather £45
