Three Marys

I created a trio of folk Mary statuettes that represent aspects of my life as a kid in Appalachia. This is my favorite, dedicated to the countless hours I spent in a church basement learning needlework and other domestic arts. We were instructed in the protective qualities of certain patterns and techniques when added to clothing, which was some of my earliest exposure to knot magic.

Mary’s coat is made of fiddler’s cloth, cross-stitched by hand using black and red cotton thread in a traditional vyshyvanka pattern for protection. She also wears a gold rosary, black lace veil, and pearl cuffs.

This statuette is larger than one of my standard Marys—about twice the size. She reminds me of the portrayals of the Blessed Mother in the iconostasis displayed in the church’s nave.

I’m not sure what I’ll do with her but for now she’s here watching over my altar.