The Relic is a game piece from Stitch’d: War You Can Craft. It is often an ancient leftover artifact from generations past usually depicting a god or high standing member of Goblinoid society. In Stitch’d, players compete to cast magic spells at the Relic to light all the gems (represented by shaped pipe cleaners) to their teams color. If a team can successfully light all 5 gems in their teams color they win the match!

The ‘Relic’, while an original design, notably takes inspiration from Tiki culture and masks of the 1930s, which is in turn inspired by South Pacific and Polynesian culture. Additionally it has notes of inspiration from Native American totems, which depict a spirit being, sacred object, or symbol of a family, clan, or tribe.

While my design strays from its inspiration, it still encompasses the idealized and romanticized aspects of multiple cultures. As an Anthropology major I’ve always appreciated and admired cultures other than my own and feel it’s important to acknowledge and learn from them, especially when their culture is used as inspiration in my own art. I highly encourage you to do the same while you create your own Relic.

To learn more about the history of Tiki Culture check out this informative video.

To learn more about Totems and their significance to Native American culture, check out this video. 

To learn more about Stitch’d: War You Can Craft check out the website here.