A Modern Mokosh: Drawn coral, seashells, starfish, pearls (marker, ink, color pencil, gold and/or silver paint, on cut paper); marbled glass beads and sterling silver wire, 2020.

Drawn, colored, cut, and assembled by hand.

12.5” h x 8.5” w | headband 7” h x 6.5” w ref: crown #10

contact to purchase: beth@local-art-ideas.com or 917-374-7516

tax and shipping added at time of purchase.

watch heather make her crowns

from the artist: 'a modern mokosh' is embedded with the feminine. mokosh was a slavic goddess and a mother goddess. although her primary symbol was the sun, i chose to represent her with non-traditional water elements, as she was giver of the water of life, protector of water, and protector of women. women and water are often intertwined in ancient mythologies. mokosh is no exception.

crowns are frequently made with materials that are not metals and gems, but worthy and precious just the same. an african Yoruba crown, called an ade, uses beautiful beads when adorning their leader's head. aztec crowns included brightly colored green feathers from the quetzl bird. pharaohs probably used perishable materials, like leather. so why not make a crown using elements from the seas?

i must confess: several other water spirits enchanted me to make this. sirens from greek mythos, rusalka from russia, and mami wata--a beautiful water spirit from west, central, and southern Africa, later carried across the world thanks to the African diaspora, all whispered their watery words to me while i crafted this crown. i highly encourage you to look her up.

'a modern mokosh' contains drawn coral, seashells, starfish, and pearls, with real marbled glass beads on sterling silver wire. it is a crown fit for a mermaid queen.