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WHO AM I ? My name is Mary Lou BigCanoe. I was born in Rouyn-Noranda, my mother was from NortreDameDuNord Reserve in North Temiskaming Quebec Canada and I am of Algonqiun heritage. I've been doing crafts for a great many years. I make drums, rattles, a bit of moose hair tufting, quillwork on birch bark, leather and bead work. It wasn't until I started carving that I felt that I had found my niche and passion in life.

WHERE AM I ? I've been living in Lethbridge Alberta Canada for about 20 years, five of those years going to University. I have traveled and lived throughout Canada and the western United States in my 60 plus years exploring mother earth.

WHAT ARE THESE CARVINGS ? The carvings you will see on my gallery pages are TOTEM and ANIMAL SPIRIT representations carved in various bone and antler medium.

WHAT IS A TOTEM / ANIMAL SPIRIT ? What is the difference? Please go to my TOTEM / ANIMAL SPIRIT PAGE.

WHY ARE THEY CARVED IN BONE ? The actual carving in bone was at one time a living, breathing animal that walked the face of the earth and did all of the things that an animal of that kind would do. This animal was born, matured, reproduced and died thus completing the cycle of life. As a native I believe that a small part of the spirit of that animal still lives in the bone and will be transferred to the wearer of this piece.

THE MEDIUM : (bone, antler, hide, hair etc.) is as important to this carving as the THEME ( eagle, bear, buffalo, owl etc. ). The next time you attend a Powwow, have a close look at the neck pieces of the Chiefs, Medicine Man or Woman, or the Shaman. I can assure you that their carved neck pieces are genuine and carry a very significant spiritual meaning. I am honored perchance should they be wearing one of my carvings as some of them are. My carvings are being worn by natives from the Artic Circle to New Zealand.

ARE THESE CARVINGS FOR SALE ? I currently have an extensive collection of bone carvings, drums, rattles, quillwork and beaded pieces. Some of these pieces were created for some one who later changed their mind about the theme, medium, design , etc. I am not really an entrepreneur, I am an artist. My pieces are mostly unique and one of a kind. If you see a piece of my art that you like, contact me, we will talk. If it is not available we can create a new piece and or design for you. Some pieces were designed for a single carving and will not be reproduced for any one else. If we create a piece for you and it is not to your liking there is no charge for it. That carving merely goes into my collection of other pieces. Remember that each piece of bone has its own unique characteristics therefore each finished carving also has its own unique character.