Other Wonderful Things!

I have been looking at totem-like things across many different cultures, and I have got a few ideas that I think would be really nice to do.

I have been looking at:

• Chinese wind chimes, because it's very much like a totem pole, for example the dragon can represent many things, depending on where in asia it is. The dragon symbolizes the supernatural power that controls water element, it can also be perceived  as sign of emperor. However, in the Chinese methodology, dragon has nine sons, and their appearances have ranged from a gigantic tortoise or a snake depending on it's magical powers. When you go to a chinese restaurant or a take away, usually you will find an 's' shaped pattern around the edge of the dish. This is the symbol called "Taotie", the dragons 5th son, meaning that he likes to eat well.

• African totems and decorations, because I love the detailed tribal patterns from native africans, i think they are beautiful. The colour and shapes they create are very pretty, and I own a few bracelets myself! The decorations can range from simple wind chimes to very scary, and the features are usually emphesized a lot! Masks can be worn whilst doing tribal dances, which is a kind of ritual where they would dance around fires and chant african words, maybe to ask their gods for rain, or maybe during a ceremony, i.e in the event of death of a tribe member, or perhaps marriage.Facepainting is common too.