​The Cohanzick Lenape pine needle art of the northeastern United States is a traditional craft passed down through generations of Indigenous communities. This unique art form uses needles from various species of pine trees and other natural materials such as sweetgrass, birch bark, and porcupine quills to create intricate and beautiful designs.
Pine needle art is believed to have originated with the northeastern woodland people in many states and is practiced by Native American communities throughout the country. The craft is prevalent in the northeast among the Algonquin people.

​For these people, pine needle art is a form of creative expression and a way to connect with the natural world and preserve traditional knowledge. The process of gathering and preparing the pine needles and other materials used in the art is often a communal activity involving storytelling, song, and prayer.
The needles are carefully selected and sorted by size and color, then cleaned and soaked to make them more pliable. The artist then weaves the needles with the other materials, often using a bone or wooden needle to create intricate patterns and designs.

​The resulting objects range from baskets and trays to ornaments and jewelry and are often adorned with symbols and motifs with deep cultural significance. For example, using sweetgrass in pine needle art is believed to bring good fortune and ward off negative energy. In contrast, porcupine quills often represent the porcupine's spines, symbolizing strength and resilience.

​Today, the tradition of pine needle art continues among many Native American communities in the northeastern United States, although it is not as widely practiced as it once was. Despite the challenges of preserving traditional knowledge and practices in the face of colonization and forced assimilation, the art form remains an integral part of Native American cultural heritage and a testament to the resilience and creativity of Indigenous peoples.
Understanding the cultural importance of pine needle art is essential when non-indigenous cultures engage in this art form. This is because pine needle art is sacred with deep cultural meanings and significance within Indigenous communities.

​The practice of pine needle art has been passed down through generations of Indigenous people and has significant cultural and spiritual value. Each element of the art form, from the selection of the materials to the specific patterns and designs used, is rooted in cultural beliefs and traditions. For example, some designs may represent specific animals or natural elements, while others may be used to honor ancestors or tell stories about the community's history.

​When non-Indigenous cultures engage in pine needle art without understanding its cultural significance, we risk appropriating and commodifying Indigenous cultural practices. This can be harmful and disrespectful to Indigenous communities, who have faced a long history of cultural erasure and exploitation.

​However, when non-Indigenous cultures engage in pine needle art with an understanding of its cultural importance, we can approach the art form with tremendous respect and appreciation. This includes learning about the cultural meanings and significance behind each element of the art form and acknowledging and honoring the Indigenous communities from which the art form originated.

​Ultimately, understanding the cultural importance of pine needle art is crucial for preserving this sacred art form and respecting the cultural heritage of Indigenous communities. By approaching pine needle art with cultural sensitivity and awareness, non-Indigenous cultures can engage in this art form in a way that honors and celebrates the rich cultural traditions and heritage of Indigenous peoples.

​For many Indigenous peoples, the pine tree is much more than just a source of material for crafts like pine needle art. The tree is deeply intertwined with our cultural heritage and identity and is considered a part of our DNA.
This connection between the pine tree and Indigenous people can be traced back through generations of ancestors who have lived in the same geographic area as the tree. The tree and the land on which it grows have been a vital part of Indigenous communities' ways of life for centuries, providing food, medicine, and materials for items and other cultural practices.

​The water the pine tree relies on to grow also plays a significant role in this connection. Water is a sacred element in many Indigenous cultures and is seen as a life-giving force that connects all living things. The water nourishing the pine tree is part of a more extensive system connecting Indigenous communities to the land and our ancestors.
When Indigenous peoples use the needles from the pine tree in items like pine needle art, it is a way of honoring our ancestors and connecting with our cultural heritage. The needles themselves represent the DNA of our ancestors, carrying the cultural knowledge and traditions of past generations into the present.
For these reasons, the pine tree and its needles are sacred to Indigenous peoples. Using needles in items like pine needle art is not just a creative expression but a way of maintaining a deep connection to the land, water, and ancestors that are a part of our cultural DNA.

​Pine needle art is a form of creative expression and a way for Indigenous artists to connect with our cultural heritage and spirituality. Creating pine needle art is a deeply meditative and spiritual practice that can carry a strong sense of energy and intention.
When Indigenous artists create pine needle items, we work with materials and tap into the spiritual strength and energy of our ancestors and the land. The needles used in items hold the history and experiences of the Indigenous people who have lived in the area of the tree for generations, and the artist can channel this energy and transform it into a piece of art.
In this way, pine needle art can carry specific energy from the past experiences of Indigenous people in the area of the tree. Art becomes a vessel for past generations' stories, traditions, and knowledge, and the artist can infuse it with their experiences and intentions.

​The piece of art is not just a physical object but also a representation of Indigenous peoples' spiritual strength and resilience. It is a way of honoring traditions and knowledge of the past while expressing creativity and the artist's unique perspective.
For Indigenous communities, pine needle art is a way of preserving cultural heritage and maintaining a connection to the land and our ancestors. The art carries a powerful spiritual significance beyond the physical object and represents a deep connection to the past, present, and future.
Ultimately, the spiritual strength of pine needle art comes from the artist's ability to connect with our cultural heritage, channel the land's energy and ancestors' energy, and infuse the art with our own experiences and intentions. The resulting piece of art is a testament to the resilience and creativity of Indigenous peoples and a powerful representation of the spiritual strength found in cultural practices and traditions.

Tyrese Gould Jacinto
Want More?  Check out these other great sites!
https://www.tygouldjacinto.com/
https://www.nativeadvancement.com/
https://www.theindigenousway.com/
https://www.mynewhomenj.com/
https://www.turkeytale.com/
https://www.nativeadvancement.org/index.html
https://www.talentsandlights.com/
https://www.saveenergynj.com/
https://www.njbiznet.com/
https://tyresegouldjacinto.blogspot.com/
 
Find on Social Media!
https://www.facebook.com/PuraUna/?view_public_for=669714220138123
https://www.facebook.com/NativeAdvancement/?view_public_for=114731132051133
https://www.facebook.com/TyreseGouldJacinto/?view_public_for=1867034450259765
https://www.facebook.com/TirelliPierce/?view_public_for=254867844943319
https://www.facebook.com/NAACRedevelopment/?view_public_for=635661773239088
https://www.facebook.com/TurkeyTaleTradingPost/?view_public_for=773377252728982
https://www.pinterest.com/TyreseGouldJacinto/pins/
https://twitter.com/TyGJacinto
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwXAXZ-gkXKJMhv5r_GNfIw?view_as=subscriber
Email Us: 
[email protected]
To drop us a line:
NAAC, PO Box 824, Bridgeton, NJ 08302

#Nanticoke #Lenape #NanticokeLenape #Native #NativeAmerican #Indian #Indigenous #pineneedle #basket #pineneedleart

​Welcome to the captivating world of Native American culture, where storytelling has been a cornerstone for generations. It is within these tales that values, traditions, and wisdom have been passed down, connecting generations through a shared history. We are thrilled to introduce our latest children's and inspirational books, which bring to life the rich and vibrant stories of Cohanzick Lenape Native American lore written by a citizen of the Nanticoke Lenape Nation.

Tyrese "Bright Flower" Gould Jacinto inspires imagination through colorful illustrations and engaging narrative; these books offer readers a window into the fascinating world of Cohanzick Lenape traditions. With each page turn, readers will be transported to a different time and place, where they will learn about the customs, beliefs, and lifestyles of Cohanzick Lenape communities. From the importance of respecting nature to the power of family and community, these books offer valuable life lessons that are just as relevant today as they were centuries ago.

We believe these books are an essential addition to any family's library, providing families with an opportunity to learn about the diverse and beautiful cultures of the Native American people. So, come along on a journey that will inspire young minds and spark a lifelong love of learning and discovery.

​"Tale of the Turkeys Detailed Tail" This whimsical rhyming book tells how we discovered each other, what we had to offer, and how trading began! We reveal history, and it allows children to use their great imagination about subjects with deep hidden meanings of the way things are. Chikënëm was a great, grand, and masterful turkey and told man elaborate tales about many subjects. This story is excellent for all ages!

​"The Creators Great Soup" Come along on this fun story about how we are all related! Did you know that all Native American cultures offer many creation legends? Ideas and stories about the beginning of the world are different, but all conclude that we are all related. "We must teach the children about nature and relationships at an early age for them to be able to develop rich and meaningful thinking and decisions." This story is excellent for all ages!

"The Blossoms of Bright Flower" I know that this book is different from traditional Anthologies. However, I felt that it best represents my expressions. It is not a mistake that my name is Bright Flower, and this book is a compilation of my writings as my flowers blossoms. I chose the name "The Blossoms of Bright Flower" because it represents my blossoming from when I was a child through life today. I decided to create a colorful array of pictures to accompany this Anthology. This creation celebrates my Native American heritage as a part of my expression. The illustrator captured each thought with beautiful images with deep hidden meanings using colors and patterns that enhance the reading and thought experience. This story is excellent for all ages!

​"The Wishing Doll" Do wishes really come true? What happens when we desire? What does admiration mean? We will all learn a great lesson for one little Lenape girl and her incredible story of wisdom. Luckily for Mahala, not all her wishes come true. This story tells of the wisdom of an ancient culture, the Nanticoke Lenni Lenape of New Jersey. Mahala lived in the Cohanzick Lenape village in the place that we now call New Jersey. Her home was right along the Cohanzick river, situated between the bay and streams. Join us in this journey of the past that brings your imagination through time as though you are living in a Lenape village hundreds of years ago before the Natives discovered the Europeans that came ashore. The illustrations of this book are incredible, and the artist intrigues each page with amazing details.

​"Whisper Wind Song" This story tells of the wisdom of an ancient culture, the Nanticoke Lenni Lenape of New Jersey. Kaliya lived in the Cohanzick Lenape village in the place that we now call New Jersey. Her home was right along the Cohanzick river, situated between the bay and streams. Join us in this journey of the past that brings your imagination through time as though you are living in a Lenape village hundreds of years ago before the Natives discovered the Europeans that came ashore. The illustrations of this book are incredible, and the artist intrigues each page with amazing details.

​"Seek the Better Place" This story tells how you can be satisfied with your accomplishments? People will always have a little more, and people may have a little less, but only if we are seeking in the wrong places. The story is about Koamene and his lesson about seeking. Koamene lived in the Cohanzick Lenape village in the place that we now call New Jersey. His home was right along the Cohanzick river, situated between the bay and streams. Join us in this journey of the past that brings your imagination through time as though you are living in a Lenape village hundreds of years ago. The illustrations of this book are incredible, and the artist intrigues each page with amazing details.

​"Precious Cohanzick Lenape Crabs" This story is only a part of our life based on what we as a people experience. Although we face many changes, the fact remains that we are our ancestors as we are their children. This book was written so that I can share my experiences of walking the ditches with my Dad, Chief Mark Quiet Hawk Gould, to gather crabs, so my children and grandchildren can have hope that they will experience this as well. I want to thank the illustrator, Arnild, who is, in my opinion, a true artist and genius. He brings my stories to life in a truly incredible way.

​"He Talks to Birds" This book corrects the purple martin bird's history and how the gourd house's creation came from our Lenape traditions.

​"Cohanzick Lenape Village Tales" Coloring and activity book combines the first six books into a fun activity for all. The extraordinary and excellent Native American coloring book is designed to inspire and educate people about the rich culture and traditions of Cohanzick Lenape. The coloring book is a perfect tool to learn about the fascinating history, art, and symbolism of the various Native American tribes. The book features intricate and detailed illustrations of different elements of the Cohanzick Lenape book series. Each page is accompanied by a brief description of the significance of the particular item or symbol depicted in the drawing. In addition to coloring pages, the book also includes interactive activities that encourage learning and engagement. These activities could consist of word searches, crossword puzzles, and matching games that test the reader's knowledge of Native American history and culture. The coloring book also includes inspirational quotes. These quotes serve as reminders of the wisdom and strength that Native Americans have exhibited throughout history.

​"Tale of the Turkeys' Detailed Tail and The Creators Great Soup” A book with two different stories — you read one side, then flip the book over and read the other one. The technical name for this type of book is tête-bêche. I was excited to hear that Amazon was offering hardcover books and discovered a minimum page count of 75 pages. Bummer!  Then my daughter told me to combine two books into one book! Love it. 

​"The Way to Riches is What You Think" This is a treatise, an observation of different teaching methods that I tried and accomplished. This is my attempt to help others with prosperity by sharing a small amount of knowledge and practice that has worked for me. This is a mix of poetry, stories, and wisdom. It ends with a bit of humor as well.

​"Twenty Twenty-One, Unlock Your Blessings" and the Calendar to track your progress. Sold separately. These books were written to bring 20 virtues to practice for 21 days with the Lenape lunar calendar. It takes 21 days to form a habit and 7 days to reflect on the results. The idea of starting a new habit or practicing new virtues during the new moon phase is often associated with lunar cycles and the belief that the new moon represents a time of new beginnings and fresh starts. Some people believe that the new moon's energy is conducive to setting intentions and initiating positive changes in one's life. Starting on the new moon aligns your practice with the natural rhythm of the lunar cycle, which can help you feel more connected to nature and the universe. By starting a new habit or practice during the new moon phase, you can tap into the energy of new beginnings and set a powerful intention for positive change in your life. The 21-day rule provides structure and discipline, while the following 7 days of reflection can deepen your understanding and help you integrate the new habit or virtue into your daily life. This can lead to lasting changes and a more fulfilling life overall.

Please support these books by spreading the word on the importance of Native Americans in the conversation of multicultural literature!

Tyrese Gould Jacinto
Want More?  Check out these other great sites!
https://www.tygouldjacinto.com/
https://www.nativeadvancement.com/
https://www.theindigenousway.com/
https://www.mynewhomenj.com/
https://www.turkeytale.com/
https://www.nativeadvancement.org/index.html
https://www.talentsandlights.com/
https://www.saveenergynj.com/
https://www.njbiznet.com/
https://tyresegouldjacinto.blogspot.com/
 
Find on Social Media!
https://www.facebook.com/PuraUna/?view_public_for=669714220138123
https://www.facebook.com/NativeAdvancement/?view_public_for=114731132051133
https://www.facebook.com/TyreseGouldJacinto/?view_public_for=1867034450259765
https://www.facebook.com/TirelliPierce/?view_public_for=254867844943319
https://www.facebook.com/NAACRedevelopment/?view_public_for=635661773239088
https://www.facebook.com/TurkeyTaleTradingPost/?view_public_for=773377252728982
https://www.pinterest.com/TyreseGouldJacinto/pins/
https://twitter.com/TyGJacinto
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwXAXZ-gkXKJMhv5r_GNfIw?view_as=subscriber
Email Us: 
[email protected]
To drop us a line:
NAAC, PO Box 824, Bridgeton, NJ 08302