Did you find all Scavenger Hunt items?
This year's scavenger hunt focused on the AISES Sacred Objects and artwork gifted to AISES over the years from Native Artisans. The AISES Scared Objects are items with cultural significance that have been gifted to AISES over the years. Many of these objects are used during blessings, powwows, and other cultural activities during AISES events such as the Leadership Summit and National Conferences.
Sacred Objects
Eagle Staff
Location: Auditorium
Hint: I will lead you to the gathering place. Follow me to the stage.
The AISES Eagle Staff was designed, constructed, and gifted to AISES by Dwight Gourneau (Turtle Mountain Chippewa), a past AISES Board of Directors Chair and contributor. It was blessed and used for the first time at the conference held in Texas (Houston) in either 1988 or 1990. Phil Lane Sr. added the four feathers that hang from the antler the next year. The Eagle Staff is brought into the Opening Ceremony by AISES Color Guard during the opening drum song. It remains visible at the conference until the closing of the Pow Wow.
Beaded Eagle Feather Fan
Location: Help Desk
Hint: Need some assistance? I can help. I am beaded and neat.
This sacred eagle feather fan is used in ceremonies and blessings.
Hopi Talavai Katsina (Early Morning Kachina)
Location: Help Desk
Hint: A great place to look for me is where you can go to ask questions. I am a dancer; I can enhance your wisdom.
As the story goes, the Talavai Katsina (Morning Kachina) appear in pairs on the rooftops at dawn during the Bean Dance, singing songs and waking the people of the village. They also bring presents to the children. “As the Sun rises at is meridian height- So shall the morning kachina with glorious meaning such as bringing in another day of joy with the atmosphere of happiness, good day, good health, and prolong the life of all mankind to old age. Happiness is a sure sign of good health and good feeling of friendship to all mankind. - Anthony Dukepoo, The Flute Clan of the Hopi Tribe.” Anthony was AISES first spiritual leader. In 1982, during the Oklahoma City National Conference, Anthony the gifted the Hopi Talavai Katsina to provide continual happiness, good health to our society and to watch over the AISES family.
Northwest Coast Oar
Location: Auditorium
Hint: If it is truth you seek, you may find me in a boxed seat, oar watching through a screen
The cedar paddle came from the Northwest tribes that were hosts for the 1987 AISES Conference in Seattle; and was presented to us by George Bowchop.
Conch Shell
Location: Lobby
Hint: The outer shell protects us. You must enter here first to find passage to other hallways.
The shell was presented to the Council of Elders through ceremony at the 2017 Denver National Conference by Lelemia Irvine, Native Hawaiian. The shell brings water to the people.
Framed Eagle Feather from Commander John Herrington’s space voyage
Location: Lobby
Hint: I’ve been to space; I am as light as a feather. I’m just hanging around.
Framed (24 1/2 x 26 1/2) U.S. Flag, patch and eagle feather were flown aboard the Space Shuttle "Endeavour" STS-113 November 23-December 7, 2002 - Commander Herrington took this feather on board the Endeavor with him in 2002 and then gifted it to AISES.
Smudge Kit
Location: Auditorium
Hint: I am a kit, the smoke I give off is welcomed. You can find me where all go to snag a seat to hear a great speech.
Smudging is traditionally a ceremony for purifying or cleansing the soul of negative thoughts of a person or place. There are four elements involved in a smudge:
- The container, traditionally a shell representing water, is the first element.
- The four sacred plants (cedar, sage, sweetgrass, tobacco), gifts from mother earth, represent the second element.
- The fire produced from lighting the sacred plants represents the third element.
- The smoke produced from the fire represents air, the fourth element.
Artwork Gifted to AISES
"Sikyatki"
Location: Lobby
Hint: Look for me by the plants. Knowledge is planted in every Pot.
Contemporary pottery vessel, 1977 signed Al Qoyawayma, Hopi artist. The vessel is 71/2 x 18 inches. It is of pinkish mica clay and is ornamented with three raised corn cobs.
“Corn Maiden”
Location: Help Desk
Hint: This place has sweet intelligence. We are busy as a Corn Field with constant visitors asking for help.
Bronze sculpture 12 x 51/2 , based signed 1985 Al Qoyawayma, Hopi Artist. Artist has stated that one of his goals is to show the unity of cultures, the fact that they are all together by a shared origin and/or migration.
"Storyteller"
Location: Lobby
Hint: I’ve got stories to tell. Find me in the circle of wisdom.
Clay storyteller figure with 112 babies is 20 inches high and 15 inches wide in polychrome tone with 14 large stabilized turquoise cabs applied as ornament for earrings and necklace with five smaller ones for moccasin buttons and on the wedding vase in the figure's lap. By Caroline Sando, Jemez Pueblo potter.
Intel Microchip Woven Rug
Location: Auditorium
Hint: The weaving is full of knowledge and is center stage.
Navajo woven wool tapestry in aniline and vegetal dyes 45 x 51 inches done in 1994 by Marilou Schultz, Navajo weaver. Commissioned by Intel Corporation.
John Herrington cutout
Location: Lobby
Hint: Hi, my name is John. I have been to Space, so I know my way around if you need help.
This cutout of John Herrington is a staple of the AISES New Mexico Office. In 2002, Commander Herrington (Chickasaw) became the first enrolled member of a Native American tribe to fly in space.
Pendleton Blanket
Location: Auditorium
Hint: I am warm, I am sometimes a gift. You can wrap me around a friend or display me on a wall.
This design pays respect to tribal elders, the wisdom keepers who hand down teachings and spiritual direction to children and future generations. Their guidance gives children a better understanding of their responsibility to the universe and the creator, and that all things are interrelated and an equal part of the whole.
