“Three Sisters” 8cm Hand Painted Glass Ornament Designed by Artist Betty Albert

“Three Sisters”

8cm Hand Painted Glass Ornament

Designed by Artist Betty Albert

Authentic Indigenous Art
Artist: Betty Albert
Cultural Background: Cree

In Indigenous cultures, the “Three Sisters” refers to the symbiotic planting of corn, beans, and squash, representing a model of sustainable agriculture and a deep connection between people and the land. Corn provides a stalk for beans to climb, beans enrich the soil with nitrogen, and squash spreads large leaves to retain moisture and suppress weeds, creating a self-sustaining agricultural system that has provided nourishment and cultural significance for centuries. The practice is rooted in stories and spirituality, symbolizing interdependence and providing physical and spiritual sustenance.

Agricultural and environmental meaning:

Sustainable agriculture: The Three Sisters method is an ancient form of companion planting, or intercropping, that benefits from the natural relationship between the three crops without needing fertilizers or pesticides.
Soil health: Beans are legumes that add nitrogen to the soil, which helps both the corn and squash to grow. The corn stalks provide a natural trellis for the beans to climb.
Pest and weed control: Squash leaves spread out to cover the ground, which acts like a living mulch to retain moisture and keep weeds from growing. The prickly vines of the squash can also deter pests like rabbits.
Increased yield: This combination of plants is more productive together than they are on their own, resulting in better yields.

Cultural and spiritual meaning:

Gift from the Creator: Many Indigenous communities view the Three Sisters as a gift from the Creator, meant to provide sustenance and life.
Spiritual and physical nourishment: The crops offer both physical nourishment—corn for energy, beans for protein, and squash for vitamins—and spiritual and cultural connection.
Symbol of community and interdependence: The method represents a lesson in working together. The plants rely on each other to thrive, just as people rely on each other and the land. The Haudenosaunee call the spirits of the plants De-o-ha-ko, meaning “the ones who support us”.
Oral tradition: The knowledge of how to grow the Three Sisters is passed down through oral traditions and stories, ensuring the practice and its meaning are remembered across generations.

These glass ornaments are hand painted and are based on the artist’s original authentic indigenous art.
They are 8 cm (3.15″) in diameter and come in a box showcasing the image.
Individually boxed for protection.
The artist’s biography on the back of the box.
The indigenous artist’s name, tribal affiliation, and title of the design appear on the box.

Artist Betty Albert’s beautiful artwork can be found in many products, such as Art Cards, Art Prints, Mugs, Journals, Bags and more!

AUTHENTIC INDIGENOUS PRODUCT:

The artist or copyright holder has been paid a royalty for the sale of this product.

MATERIALS:

Glass, Paint, Metal

DIMENSIONS:

Item Size: 8 x 8 x 8 cm (3.15 x 3.15 x 3.15 in)
Item Weight: 80g
Box Size: 10 x 9.5 x 10.5 cm
Box Weight: 96g

DELIVERY:

Items in stock will be shipped as soon as possible
Backordered Items may take 3 – 4 weeks to ship out

Designed in Canada

For more information about Indigenous Artist Betty Albert

A Great way to display support for Indigenous Art!