ELAINE GLEASON – SCEPTERS
Bywater Metal Art LLC
I was inspired to create these scepters to give power to their owner. The scepter is ancient power that I want New Orleanians to have in their lives. Rods or staffs have long represented authority and were used by respected elders, judges, military leaders, and priests. The scepter is represented in Egyptian sculpture and wall painting and on Greek painted vases as a long staff tipped with a metal ornament.
With the advent of Christianity the scepter was often tipped with a cross or dove, but during the Middle Ages the finials on the top of the scepter varied considerably.
The components that make up my scepters are cast iron parts used in making gates in New Orleans. The symbols chosen for the scepters and their names come from ancient Egyptian culture because of their connection to a mighty river and life-giving delta. The colors are inspired by Mardi Gras floats. Swords, symbols of bravery and fighting for a just cause, were often named. Likewise, I want to empower my scepters by naming them.
FLAMBEAUX – Power to Bring Light from DarknessFire is light, a spark, a new flame.
ASFALEIA - Power to Protect
The arrow represents power, swiftness, the rays of the sun, knowledge, or direction. The spiral represents continual change
CYPERUS – Dominion Over the Delta
The cyperus papyrus is a plant that grows in the delta and therefore a symbol for natural life itself. It’s associated with green, youth, and joy. “All life and protection are around.”
NELUMBO – Power of Renewal
The lotus flower starts as a small flower down at the bottom of a pond in the mud and muck. It slowly grows up towards the waters surface continually moving towards the light. Once it come to the surface of the water the lotus flower begins to blossom and turn into a beautiful flower. Within Hinduism and Buddhism the lotus flower has become a symbol for awakening to the spiritual reality of life. To the ancient Egyptians it was the symbol for rebirth.
BA-SHUT - Power of the Spirit
Ba is the spiritual aspect of the human being which survives or comes into being at death and is imbued with the fullness of a person’s individuality. Shut is the feather that represents truth and order.
HELIANTHUS - Power of Illumination
The sunflower follows the sun which sun represents the eye of the sky. The sun also represents eternity and everlastingness. Wisdom.
NEFET – Dominion Over Wind
Nefet is the unseen function of sunshades (umbrellas) and fans. Fans represent the air it moves, breathing and therefore of life.
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