POUCHES

Symbols You Carry With You

The pouch is a holding place for symbols and the meaning or belief behind them. Each pouch is an original art piece, painted and sewn by hand, featuring hand-carved symbols.

Collection of hand-painted Safe Travel pouches inspired by Cotopaxi and the Galápagos Islands

Protection Beads

A FAMILIAR OBJECT

Shinto Symbols

HARMONY WITH YOUR SURROUNDINGS

Prayer Feathers

A BRIDGE BETWEEN WORLDS

Brown protection beads arranged in a loop with a blue accent bead
A FAMILIAR OBJECT

Protection Beads

Protection beads are a universal comfort object. They can be used to count prayers, support meditation, pass the time and relieve stress. With use, the familiar touch carries a sense of energy and protection. Beads in hand, you remain centered and focused on the matter before you.

Hand-painted wooden symbol with Japanese kanji for travel safety
HARMONY WITH YOUR SURROUNDINGS

Shinto Symbols

In Shinto tradition, the power of the gods has long been placed in small packets or wooden symbols to bring protection to their owner. Respect for nature and oneself emphasizes harmony and connection to one’s surroundings. The kanji on this piece means travel safety: the meaning and written form of a word can shape reality.

Three small hand-carved prayer feathers in natural golden tones
A BRIDGE BETWEEN WORLDS

Prayer Feathers

From the eagle to the smallest sparrow, the feather is a bridge between spiritual and physical worlds. It reminds the traveler of the ability to go wherever they need to be. The feather offers direction on one’s own path and embodies trust, honor, strength, wisdom, power and freedom.

Handcrafted on the journey

Every pouch is original, painted and sewn by hand. The carved symbols can be carried inside, allowing each piece to become both useful and personal.

A PERSONAL PRACTICE

How I Use My Pouch

I carry my personal belief symbols in the first pouch I made on Floreana Island. Before the pouch, I carried them for decades, scattered throughout my backpack. The objects include a green rosary from Ireland, a Shinto amulet and a feather.

The pouches are made during my travels. The Cotopaxi collection was created in Quito and Santa Cruz in the Galápagos, and another collection was painted in Cuenca at Martha Gallery. They are generally sold where I am staying and where they are made. Safe Travel pouches can be requested with or without the symbols.