"Spirit of the Desert"
The Saguaro Cactus is the tallest most unique cactus in the world. Thousands of visitors pass through the Saguaro National Monument in Arizona yearly, to observe this massive wonder of the Sonoran Desert. Some may feel a presence beyond its visual magnificence. Such a sensation can lead to understanding the Ceremonies of the 'Desert People' that honor its spirit.
The Saguaro represents the 'Sacred Center of Life' for all that live in the desert. It is the essence of survival for desert dwellers during the long dry spell of summer. Continuance of life is dependent upon the summer rains, because for months the winter rains have ceased. Relentless heat and spiraled whirlwinds, (dust devils), quickly evaporate all water holes leaving not a hint of moisture. It is the time when Saguaro begins its magic.
Announcement of this 'Season of Endurance' begins with a ring of white flowers crowning each arm of Saguaro. 100 years may pass before arms start to grow. Beneath each flower a cactus bulb ripens to maturity, until it bursts, giving birth to a sweet and succulent red, seedy fruit. Describing the taste of this fruit is a challenge. My attempt of comparison with the well acquainted has arrived at this, 'watermelonberryfig'. Saguaro's fruit is the only source of moisture & nourishment for desert dwellers. While all may benefit from this moment of replenishment, all still wait for the rains.
The four legged, the feathered, and even the creepy crawlers accept the cycles of nature and respond to the rhythm of seasons with uncanny instincts for survival. People creatures do more than rely upon their instincts to survive, they contemplate. The nature of seasons moves in cycles and patterns, yet too often disruptions occur. Imagine the 2 legged contemplating about this phenomenon. Perhaps that's how ceremonies began. A gathering of many, focusing their attention upon honoring essential life forces that create the means of survival for continued existence. The native Desert People honor the life-giving Saguaro through the ritual of a Wine Ceremony.
Saguaro measures in heights of 20 to 60 feet. A rare one can be as high as 80 feet.
For weeks the people gather fruit, which is nestled at the top or these wondrous giants, by means of long poles created from the wood of Saguaro, called Ribs. Everyone feasts upon the fresh fruit, while much is dried and syrup bottled for storage. A portion is set aside to ferment.
The wine is called the "Rainmakers" drink. The ceremony is a Ritual, a Prayer to God to send the rains for their crops to grow. This wine is sacred, the prayers sincere, yet for days the people experience a freedom from the rigors of inhibition. It's a time to give thanks for the many blessings of abundant years. A time to forgive and relinquish old grudges or negative thoughts that disrupt the harmony of village life, it's a time for letting go that which could block or disrupt the rhythmic seasons of Nature.
The clouds peak over the mountains like huge, billowy ghosts, as the people sing & dance their chants of welcome. Lightning, thunder and finally the rains, give birth to the continuance of life. The people grow and harvest their crops, thankful they are here. Saguaro cycles back to its thunderous silent stance, as ancient and wise guardian of the desert.
The life of a Saguaro can span centuries, yet upon its death another creation of life appears, Saguaro Ribs. Slowly the spiny cactus skin peels away, revealing a skeleton of long narrow sticks that resemble a ribcage. The color of ribs may vary in shades of blond, earth and weathered gray. Historic & adobe homes used ribs to cover ceilings, shutter windows, and build fences, doors and even chicken coops. It was a useful natural resource. Today, the unique rustic beauty of Saguaro Ribs is chosen more for decoration than usage.
A worldwide fascination with the History and Art of the Southwest has grown rapidly over the last two decades, along with an explosive population development. Acknowledging the wisdom of the Ancients' to maintain harmony with the environment, is advice that the 'Moderns' will need to reckon with. The clearance of desert lands by developers has enacted laws of protection for the removal of living cactus. Further protective laws my soon be enforced because of growing Interest for decorating with the various cactus woods. While, the opportunity of working with Saguaro Ribs draws to a close, its value increases.
Very few people create Works of Art from Saguaro Ribs. The few I know, like myself, share a common desire to express not exploit its rare beauty. I call Saguaro the 'Soul of the Southwest'; the heartbeat of the Desert and its skeleton the 'Bones of the Ancestors'.
These Creations of Art is my way of honoring this great
"Spirit of the Desert"
Southwest Style
Spirit Of The Desert Earrings
Silver and Copper Conchos
with natural materials and
Antique beads.
High Grade Southwest Style
Earrings made by hand
in New Mexico and Arizona
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Southwest Style Gifts 
