Earrings, Dentalium Shell, Shoulder Dusters, Contemporary, 998 Double D Ranch

SHELL YOU TAKE US HOME?

These long lustrous detailed shell earrings made by Monica Raphael are the perfect pair to take home for yourself. Three rows of dentalium shells and mother of pearl stones make up the base of these earrings. Dangling at the bottom of these rows are strings of dainty little purple beads and at the end of each strand of beads is a shell bead. They’re put together with leather and finished off with sterling silver French wires.

Spending most of her life on the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indian Reservation fifth generation quill worker Monica Raphael now makes her home in the foothills of the Wichita Mountains near Apache, Oklahoma.  Also, a talented bead worker and seamstress Monica learned the traditional woodland art using porcupine quills and birch bark a long side of her than 10 year old daughter from master quill artist Catherine Baldwin over twenty years ago.  Quickly mastering both the flora and fauna designs for which her family was known Monica has excelled in more complex designs while combining traditional techniques with bright modern colors creating a modern twist to a timeless art form.  After working over twenty-five years for the betterment of Indian communities in 2018 she followed her dream of focusing on her art full time.  Her work is quickly becoming known for its clear intention to craftsmanship and unwavering dedication to patience.  During the 2019 Art Market year she earned Best of Show for her work Ginewkwe at the Woodland Indian Art Market this work also placed First in wearable items at the Eiteljorg Indian Museum Market.  Her most recent work an entirely quilled on birch bark regalia for a young woman celebrating her right of passage to womanhood titled Debwaywin “Her Berry Fast” was awarded Best in Division in Beadwork and Quillwork at the 98th annual Santa Fe Indian Market this work finished the 2019 Art Market year at the Autry Museum of the American West American Indian Arts Marketplace with the Judge’s Choice Award and has been acquired by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American Indian to become part of the museum’s permanent collection.  Well versed in the traditional arts and culture of the Anishinaabek Monica is dedicated to preserving her culture and has a commitment to sharing her knowledge with others to be carried on for generations to come.