Made specifically for a retrospective of artist Morgyn Owens-Celli's work at the Smithsonian's Renwick Gallery. The Sentinel uses both traditional Swiss Straw Techniques, Applique and woven methods to complete this piece which took 800 hours to create. The halo was done using a cradle weave from the Pomo Indians of California. The hair uses a twisted rope plait that was partially untwisted after it dried. Swiss straw threads were couched into place for an embroidered effect on the tabard. The tabard is made of split straw applied to fabric and secured to a metal wire grid that was stitched into place when the threads were couched onto the tabard. This gave motion to the tabard when the wires were bent. The wings are based on those of the sparrow Hawk. Split straw was used to recreate primary and secondary flight feathers, adjulars, remiges. and other feathers giving them the structural design of a bird's wing. The wings alone were 300 hours of the work involved in making this piece. All information, photographs and other artwork contained in this site are Copyrighted by The American Museum of Straw Art. Reproduction of any material is prohibited without prior written permission.