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"The Wolves Within"

The Native Symbol or Totem the Wolf represents is loyalty, strong family ties, good communication skills, education, understanding and intelligence. Of all land animals the wolf has the strongest supernatural powers and is the most accomplished hunter. The wolf has for centuries captured the imagination of many different cultures including the Native American Indians. The warriors admired and respected the wolves as a very family oriented animal because of their devotion to their mates for life, their value of the extended family and the protection of their young and elders. The warriors gained their spiritual powers from the wolf, a skillful, intelligent and elusive predator. They considered the wolf to be the greatest hunter and they wanted to instill this spirit within themselves.  Wolf skins and others body parts were used to draw upon the wolf's supernatural powers and help the brave warriors become as a wolf, hence the name of my vessel  "The Wolves Within".

The wolf on the top of the vessel and the bas relief of the wolf's head and full moon as well as the wolf paw prints represent the physical wolf in the natural world.  The Native American people had great respect for wolves because of their shared similarities. Both natives and wolves hunt, gather, defend and educate their tribe or pack. The wolf shows it 

is a very social and communicative creature by its body movements, interactions and vocalizations.

 The wolf on the side of the vessel with the paw prints and moon represent the mystical, spiritual or symbolic world.  The wolf running across the sky and jumping through the moon is an interpretation of the wolf and his association with the moon.  Wolves have long been associated with the full moon and also their songs of the night.  I can feel the shivers running through my body and the thoughts running through my mind when experiencing their communication with each other on a cold moonlit night.

Wolves figure prominently in the mythology of nearly every Native American tribe. In most Native cultures, the wolf is considered a medical being associated with courage, strength, loyalty, and success at hunting. Hunters would carve or paint lightning snakes with the head of wolves on their canoes in the belief that the hunting skills of the wolves would help their hunting skills. A good hunter relied on his keen sense of smell, sharp eyesight, powerful legs, knowledge and cunning to succeed.  Some native people believe that wolves are the reincarnation of deceased hunters, and they are frequently portrayed as wolves in ceremonies. 

 Healers often take the form of the wolf in their ritual work. Wolves are fierce, loyal, independent and well able to offer support on the most challenging healing journey. If direction and purpose are lacking in the life of the person, the steadfast determination of the wolf can overcome fear, indecision and confusion.   

Many North American tribes, consider wolves to be closely related to humans and the origin stories of some Northwest Coast tribes tell of their first ancestors being transformed from wolves into men. In Shoshone mythology, wolf plays the role of the noble Creator god, while in Anishinabe mythology a wolf character is the brother and true best friend of their culture hero. Among the Pueblo tribes, wolves are considered one of the six directional guardians. The Zuni's carve stone wolf fetishes for protection, ascribing to them both healing and hunting powers.  

As you can see, the wolf holds a very important position in the natural world as well as the spiritual world.  I have always been intrigued by this majestic animal that seemed to influence the Native Americans and others over the years.  They are truly a good influence of cooperation, protectiveness and fidelity to our society.  I hope you enjoy my "The Wolves Within" vessel as much as I have enjoyed "traveling the wolf trail."

Jammey Huggins

Jammey Huggins is a Southwest artist who was born and raised in West Texas. From her life-long interest in Western and Native American memorabilia, she has devoted herself to portraying the culture and history of the Southwest. She seeks to recreate the mysticism and spiritualism of the West in her paintings and sculpture. 

Studying, collecting, traveling and exploring the historic ruins of the Southwest and Mexico are sources for her unique creations. Her love of the outdoors has led her to be particularly aware of the many living creatures in her surroundings. Whether at home, with jackrabbits, box turtles, and coyotes, or traveling and observing dolphins, eagles and bison, she realizes that each is individual and possesses unique characteristics. It is the spirit of life and emotion as well as the physical power and sensual form that she tries to capture in each of the animals. The use of the figure is also very prominent in her works. Personality combined with historical accuracy is her goal in creating a life-like sculpture. When viewing her creations, she hopes they will evoke memories and emotions from personal experiences with both wildlife and human beings.

Jammey Huggins began sculpting in 1982. Since that time she has worked with stone, bronze, clay, polymer, and welded sculpture. Her bronze, "Full Circle", won Best of Show at the annual American Plains Artists Show displayed in the Ellen Noel Art Museum. All of her bronze sculptures are cast using the lost wax method. In this way, all of the details in the original are retained in the reproduction. Huggins produces her sculpture in limited editions and keeps the edition numbers low in order to retain the integrity of her work. 

Huggins holds a degree in art from Texas Tech University, with graduate studies at the University of Texas of the Permian Basin and Manhattan College. She participates in both invitational and juried shows throughout the Southwest. Her work can be found in both private and corporate collections throughout the United States.