I WENT WITH ABOUT 12 INFLATABLE BOATS THIS WEEKEND TO CLEAN UP THE RIVER FROM HEALDSBURG TO WOHLER BRIDGE. WE ALL PARKED DOWN AT THE BRIDGE IN ORDER TO BE BROUGHT BY VAN BACK TO HEALDSBURG BELOW THE DAM. LUCKILY THE LEVEL OF THE RIVER WAS JUST ADEQUATE SO WE DRIFTED NICELY DOWN ABOUT 6 MILES OF THE RIVER AND MISSED THE WILLOWS THAT HUNG DOWN ON THE BANKS, IT WAS HARD WORK PADDLING AND WE GOT BLISTERS. IRIS, THE LADY I PAIRED WITH, WAS ABOUT MY AGE AND SHE REMINDED ME OF MY AUNT ROSEMARIE. SHE HARDLY ATE ANYTHING! I BROUGHT A COUPLE OF SANDWICHES AND A LOT OF WATER. THEY GAVE US SOME THICK BAGS AND LUCKILY WE FOUND TONS OF TRASH ON THE BANKS WHICH HAD BEEN FLOODED OVER THE WINTER. ONE BOAT UNEARTHED AN OVEN AND ABOUT 5 TIRES. WE DUG UO 2 TIRES, AN OLD CAMPSTOVE, MANY PLASTIC BOTTLES, OLD PIECES OF METAL AND MANY SODA CANS. SOME FOLKS FOUND TRUCK LINERS AND MANY TIRES AND OTHER METASL PIECES. WE ALL HAD TO PADDLE FAIRLY STRONGLY AT THE END OF THE DAY.
THE WEATHER WAS ABOUT 98 DEGREES WITHOUT ANY WIND. I FELL INTO THE RIVER SEVERAL TIMES AS WE DOCKED ON THE BANKS OF THE RIVER AND PICKED UP PLASTIC BAGS. WE ONLY SAW DUCKS, AND SOME WOOD DUCKS, A WATER SNAKE AND SOME DRAGONFLIES, AND A DIFFERENT TYPE OF BLACK HEADED DUCK.
WE ALSO SAW MANY DIFFERENT SIZES OF TROUT. THE WATER WAS CLEAR. OUR BOATS WEAVED ALOT AS THEY ARE NOT BUILT TO STEER STRAIGHT. IN ANY CASE THEY CAN CARRY A LOT OF WEIGHT.
Monday, September 27, 2010
MENOMONEE INDIANS
MENOMONEES COLLECTED WILD RICE(ACTUALLY A SEED OF A GRASS) FROM CANOES IN SUMMER. WILD RICE HAD 60 DIFFERENT NAMES. WOMEN COLLECTED THESE SEEDS, MEN USED BOWS TO HUNT SMALL GAME OR FISHED FOR STURGEON WITH HOOKS, SPEARS, AND NETS /TRAPS. THEY BENT THE TALL GRASSES OVER THE CANOES AND BEAT THE GRASS HEADS INTO THE BOAT. THESE SEEDS WERE DRIED AND POUNDED AND THEN WINNOWED IN BASKETS TO SEPARATE THE HULL FROM GRAIN. IT WAS AN EASY FOOD TO COLLECT AND PREPARE. THEY DID NOT NEED CORN. THE GREAT LAKE TRIBES HAD PROBLEMS WITH THEIR TERRITORIES AND RARELY KNEW PEACE. THEY COULD TRADE RICE FOR OTHER ITEMS. THEY TRADED FOR BUFFALO SKINS FROM THE PRAIRIES. RICE WAS INCLUDED IN THEIR MYTHOLOGIES. IN 1634 WHEN JEAN NICOLET, THE FIRST WHITE EXPLORER, CAME TO THE MENOMENEES, THEY CONTROLLED THE NORTHWESTERN SHORE OF LAKE MICHIGAN. THEY HAD YEAR ROUND VILLAGES. DURING WINTER THEY HAD DOMED WIGWAMS WITH SAPLINGS COVERED WITH CATTAIL MATS AND REEDS. THEIR LARGEST VILLAGE WAS AT THE MOUTH OF THE MENOMONEE WHERE IT ENTERS GREEN BAY.
THE MENOMONEE INDIANS WORE DEERSKIN SHIRTS AND LEGGINGS AND MOCCASINS. THE WOMEN WORE SHIRTS OF WOVEN NETTLES ALONG WITH ALONG WITH DEERSKIN NETTLES. WOMEN WERE FAAMOUS FOR THEIR WEOVEN POUCHES. THEY USED PLANT FIBERS, BASSWOOD TREES PLUS BUFFALO HAIRS. THEY DYED, SPUN, AND WOVE MATERIAL INTO LARGE SUPPLY BAGS WITH VARIOUS GEOMETRIC DESIGNS.
SMOKING TOBACCO WAS INCLUDED IN MOST OF THEIR CEREMONIES. THEY WERE FRIENDLY WITH THE ANGLOS.
CARL WALDMAN
THE MENOMONEE INDIANS WORE DEERSKIN SHIRTS AND LEGGINGS AND MOCCASINS. THE WOMEN WORE SHIRTS OF WOVEN NETTLES ALONG WITH ALONG WITH DEERSKIN NETTLES. WOMEN WERE FAAMOUS FOR THEIR WEOVEN POUCHES. THEY USED PLANT FIBERS, BASSWOOD TREES PLUS BUFFALO HAIRS. THEY DYED, SPUN, AND WOVE MATERIAL INTO LARGE SUPPLY BAGS WITH VARIOUS GEOMETRIC DESIGNS.
SMOKING TOBACCO WAS INCLUDED IN MOST OF THEIR CEREMONIES. THEY WERE FRIENDLY WITH THE ANGLOS.
CARL WALDMAN
KLAMATH INDIANS
THEY LIVED NEAR THE OREGON AND KLAMATH RIVER AREA. THEIR NAME MEANT MAKLAK PEOPLE OR COMMUNITY. THEY DEPENDED ON INLAND FISHING AND THEY HUNTED SMALL GAME, DEER, AND COLLECTED WILD PLANTS, ROOTS, AND WATER LILY SEEDS.
THEY ARE A PLATEAU TRIBE THAT SPEAKS THE PENUTIAN DIALECT. THEY WERE WARLIKE AND THEIR BOWMAN COULD SHOOT AN ARROW RIGHT THROUGH A HORSE. THEY HAD RAIDS ON MANY NORTHERN CALIFORNIA TRIBES, AND THEY TOOK CAPTIVES AS SLAVES. THEY WERE FRIENDLY TOWARDS THE WHTES. A CANADIAN, PETER OGDEN, FIRST ESTABLISHED TRADE RELATIONS WITH THE KLAMATH IN 1829. THEY SIGNED A TREATY IN 1864 AND AGREED TO GIVE UP SLAVERY. THEY WERE INDIRECTLY PART OF THE MODOC WAR IN 1872-1873. BECAUSE THE MODOCS DID NOT GET ALONG WITH THE KLAMATHS,THEY HEADED SOUTH, EVENTUALLY THEY FOUGHT THE MOST VIOLENT INDIAN WAR IN CALIFORNIAN HISTORY. IN 1954, THE KLAMATH LOST SOME OF THEIR LAND TO THE GOVERNMENT.
IN 1954 CONGRESS ENDED FEDERAL RECOGNITION OF THE KLAMATH PEOPLE AND THAT RESULTED IN A LOSS OF THE GROUP'S 862, 662 ACRE RESERVE. IT INCLUDED VAST STANDS OF PONDEROSA PINE. IT LEFT THEM LANDLESS, SOCIALLY RAVAGED AND DISENFRANCHISED.
TODAY THEY ARE ONLY NOW BEGINNING TO RECOVER . THE GROUP IS DESCENDED FROM THE KLAMATH, MODOC, AND YAHOOSKIN BANDS OF INDIANS. THE KLAMATH AND MODOC S SHARED A SIMILAR LANGUAGE AND CULTURE, BUT WERE QUITE DISTINCT. AMONG THE KLAMATH INDIANS THEY WERE QUITE DISTINCT. LEADERS WERE CHOSEN FOR THERE DEMONSTRATED ABILITY FOR LEADERSHIPAND OTHER ABILITIES WHICH AUTHORITY DID NOT EXTEND. PRIOR TO EUROPEAN CONTACT THEKLAMATH'S ANCESTRAL TRIBES WERE A SOVERNENTITY. THEY ALSO LIVED SOUTHERN OREGON. IN 1864 THE GOVERNMENT RESERVED 1.1 MILLION ACRES FROM THEIR ORIGINAL DOMAIN OF 20 MILLION ACRES. IT WAS SUPPOSED TO PREVENT ENCROACHMENT ON THESE LANDS IN THE FUTURE BUT IT DID NEITHER.
IN 1872 CAPTAIN JACK AND 52 MODOC WARRIORS MOVED BACK TO CALIFORNIA IGNORING THIS TREATY THEY MOVED TO THE LAVA BEDS NEAR TULE LAKEWHERE THEY HELD OFF 1000 SOLDIERS AND 78 INDIAN SCOUTS. THE WAR COST 400 SOLDERS LIVES AND 13 MODOC WARRIORS. IN 1873 CAPTAIN JACK WAS HANGED.
IN 1954 CONGRESS TERMINATED THE KLAMATH INDIANS AND THEY WERE NOT ALLOWED ANY COMMUNALLY OWNED LAND OR ASSETS. BY THE 1970S TERMINATION WAS A DISASTER FOR THE KLAMATH INDIANS. FORTY PERCENT OF ALL DEATHS WERE ALCOHOL RELATED. IN 1985 CONGRESS PASSED A PETITION TO RESTORE FEDERAL RECOGNITION FOR THE TRIBE. IN 1994 THEY SIGNED A GAMING CONTRACT TO ENABLE THE TRIBES FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.
CARL WALDMAN/FREDERICK HOWIE
THEY ARE A PLATEAU TRIBE THAT SPEAKS THE PENUTIAN DIALECT. THEY WERE WARLIKE AND THEIR BOWMAN COULD SHOOT AN ARROW RIGHT THROUGH A HORSE. THEY HAD RAIDS ON MANY NORTHERN CALIFORNIA TRIBES, AND THEY TOOK CAPTIVES AS SLAVES. THEY WERE FRIENDLY TOWARDS THE WHTES. A CANADIAN, PETER OGDEN, FIRST ESTABLISHED TRADE RELATIONS WITH THE KLAMATH IN 1829. THEY SIGNED A TREATY IN 1864 AND AGREED TO GIVE UP SLAVERY. THEY WERE INDIRECTLY PART OF THE MODOC WAR IN 1872-1873. BECAUSE THE MODOCS DID NOT GET ALONG WITH THE KLAMATHS,THEY HEADED SOUTH, EVENTUALLY THEY FOUGHT THE MOST VIOLENT INDIAN WAR IN CALIFORNIAN HISTORY. IN 1954, THE KLAMATH LOST SOME OF THEIR LAND TO THE GOVERNMENT.
IN 1954 CONGRESS ENDED FEDERAL RECOGNITION OF THE KLAMATH PEOPLE AND THAT RESULTED IN A LOSS OF THE GROUP'S 862, 662 ACRE RESERVE. IT INCLUDED VAST STANDS OF PONDEROSA PINE. IT LEFT THEM LANDLESS, SOCIALLY RAVAGED AND DISENFRANCHISED.
TODAY THEY ARE ONLY NOW BEGINNING TO RECOVER . THE GROUP IS DESCENDED FROM THE KLAMATH, MODOC, AND YAHOOSKIN BANDS OF INDIANS. THE KLAMATH AND MODOC S SHARED A SIMILAR LANGUAGE AND CULTURE, BUT WERE QUITE DISTINCT. AMONG THE KLAMATH INDIANS THEY WERE QUITE DISTINCT. LEADERS WERE CHOSEN FOR THERE DEMONSTRATED ABILITY FOR LEADERSHIPAND OTHER ABILITIES WHICH AUTHORITY DID NOT EXTEND. PRIOR TO EUROPEAN CONTACT THEKLAMATH'S ANCESTRAL TRIBES WERE A SOVERNENTITY. THEY ALSO LIVED SOUTHERN OREGON. IN 1864 THE GOVERNMENT RESERVED 1.1 MILLION ACRES FROM THEIR ORIGINAL DOMAIN OF 20 MILLION ACRES. IT WAS SUPPOSED TO PREVENT ENCROACHMENT ON THESE LANDS IN THE FUTURE BUT IT DID NEITHER.
IN 1872 CAPTAIN JACK AND 52 MODOC WARRIORS MOVED BACK TO CALIFORNIA IGNORING THIS TREATY THEY MOVED TO THE LAVA BEDS NEAR TULE LAKEWHERE THEY HELD OFF 1000 SOLDIERS AND 78 INDIAN SCOUTS. THE WAR COST 400 SOLDERS LIVES AND 13 MODOC WARRIORS. IN 1873 CAPTAIN JACK WAS HANGED.
IN 1954 CONGRESS TERMINATED THE KLAMATH INDIANS AND THEY WERE NOT ALLOWED ANY COMMUNALLY OWNED LAND OR ASSETS. BY THE 1970S TERMINATION WAS A DISASTER FOR THE KLAMATH INDIANS. FORTY PERCENT OF ALL DEATHS WERE ALCOHOL RELATED. IN 1985 CONGRESS PASSED A PETITION TO RESTORE FEDERAL RECOGNITION FOR THE TRIBE. IN 1994 THEY SIGNED A GAMING CONTRACT TO ENABLE THE TRIBES FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.
CARL WALDMAN/FREDERICK HOWIE
Thursday, September 23, 2010
MOUND BUILDERS
THE MOUND BUILDERS WERE IN THE FORMATIVE PERIOD IN THE MIDWEST FROM 1000 BC TO AD 1500. THEY WERE LOCATED ALONG THE OHIO AND MISSISSIPI RIVER VALLEYS. THERE WERE
1000'S OF MOUNDS SHAPED IN FORMS OF ANIMALS AND PEOPLE. THREE DIFFERENT GROUPS FORMED FORMED THESE MOUNDS -HOPEWELL, ADENA, AND MISSISSIPEAN.
THEY BUILT MOUNDS DURING THE FORMATIVE PERIOD FROM 1000 BC TO AD 1500. THEIR LIVELIHOOD INCLUDED BUILDING HOUSES, FARMERING WITHOUT IRRIGATION., POTTERY MAKING, WEAVING AND GATHERING FOR CEREMONIES AND FEASTS. ALONG WITH THE SOUTHWESTERN TRIBES, THE MOUND BUILDERS HAD A VERY COMPLEX AND ORGANIZED WAY OF LIFE.
ADENA
FROM 1000 BC - AD 200 THE ADENA WERE NAMED AFTER A LARGE MOUND NEAR CHILLICOTHE. THEY BUILT VILLAGES IN OHIO, KENTUCKY, WEST VIRGINIA, INDIANA, PENNSYLVANIA, NEW YORK AND ALONG THE OHIO VALLEY. THE MOUNDS WERE BURIAL MOUNDS MADE TO HONOR THE DEAD. THEY WERE BURIED WITH VARIOUS CEREMONIAL OBJECTS AND OTHER ARTIFACTS. THE ADENA CONSTRUCTED THE SERPENT MOUND WHICH WAS NOT A BURIAL MOUND.
THEY HUNTED AND GATHERED AS WELL AS PLANTED CROPS. THEY LIVED IN POLE AND THATCH HOUSES COVERED WITH MUDAND THATCH. THEY GREW CROPS SUCH AS CORN, BEANS, SQUASH, AND TOBACCO. IT IS NOT KNOWN IF THE HOPEWELL INVADED THE ADENAS OR HOW THEY LEFT, HOWEVER THEIR ARE HOPEWELL SITES IN THE SAME AREA.
HOPEWELL
THIS CULTURE WAS CENTERED AROUND THE OHIO VALLEY FROM 300 BC TO AD 700. ARCHAEOLOGISTS HAVE DISCOVERED THEIR MOUNDS OVER A MUCH WIDER AREA COMPRISING THE ILLINOIS VALLEY, MISSISSIPPI AND OTHER VALLEYS IN THE MIDWEST.
CARL WALDMAN
1000'S OF MOUNDS SHAPED IN FORMS OF ANIMALS AND PEOPLE. THREE DIFFERENT GROUPS FORMED FORMED THESE MOUNDS -HOPEWELL, ADENA, AND MISSISSIPEAN.
THEY BUILT MOUNDS DURING THE FORMATIVE PERIOD FROM 1000 BC TO AD 1500. THEIR LIVELIHOOD INCLUDED BUILDING HOUSES, FARMERING WITHOUT IRRIGATION., POTTERY MAKING, WEAVING AND GATHERING FOR CEREMONIES AND FEASTS. ALONG WITH THE SOUTHWESTERN TRIBES, THE MOUND BUILDERS HAD A VERY COMPLEX AND ORGANIZED WAY OF LIFE.
ADENA
FROM 1000 BC - AD 200 THE ADENA WERE NAMED AFTER A LARGE MOUND NEAR CHILLICOTHE. THEY BUILT VILLAGES IN OHIO, KENTUCKY, WEST VIRGINIA, INDIANA, PENNSYLVANIA, NEW YORK AND ALONG THE OHIO VALLEY. THE MOUNDS WERE BURIAL MOUNDS MADE TO HONOR THE DEAD. THEY WERE BURIED WITH VARIOUS CEREMONIAL OBJECTS AND OTHER ARTIFACTS. THE ADENA CONSTRUCTED THE SERPENT MOUND WHICH WAS NOT A BURIAL MOUND.
THEY HUNTED AND GATHERED AS WELL AS PLANTED CROPS. THEY LIVED IN POLE AND THATCH HOUSES COVERED WITH MUDAND THATCH. THEY GREW CROPS SUCH AS CORN, BEANS, SQUASH, AND TOBACCO. IT IS NOT KNOWN IF THE HOPEWELL INVADED THE ADENAS OR HOW THEY LEFT, HOWEVER THEIR ARE HOPEWELL SITES IN THE SAME AREA.
HOPEWELL
THIS CULTURE WAS CENTERED AROUND THE OHIO VALLEY FROM 300 BC TO AD 700. ARCHAEOLOGISTS HAVE DISCOVERED THEIR MOUNDS OVER A MUCH WIDER AREA COMPRISING THE ILLINOIS VALLEY, MISSISSIPPI AND OTHER VALLEYS IN THE MIDWEST.
CARL WALDMAN
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
PIMA AND PAPAGO
PIMA INDIANS WERE IN SOUTHERN ARIZONA AND NORTHERN SONORA. THEIR NAME MEANS - I DON'T KNOW. THEY CALLED THEMSELVES THE RIVER PEOPLE. THE PIMA AND PAPAGO SPOKE UTO AZTECAN LANGUAGES.
THEY LIVED ALONG THE SALT AND GILA RIVERS AND ALONG THE RIVERS IN SONORA. THE PAPAGO LIVED TO THE WEST OF THE UPPER PIMAS. THE HOHOKAM ARE THE ANCESTORS OF THESE TRIBES AND THE WORD MEANS "VANISHED ONES". THEY USED ADVANCED AGRICULTURE AND IRRIGATED THEIR CROPS. THEY DIVERTED WATER FROM RIVERS TO HAVE FIELDS OF CROPS SUCH AS CORN, SQUASH, BEANS, PUMPKINS AND TOBACCO. THE ANGLOS INTRODUCED WHEAT AND ALFALFA TO THEM.
THE MEN WERE THE FARMERS AND FISHERMEN AND HUNTED GAME ANIMALS. THEY ALSO BUILT THEIR HOMES OF POLE FRAMED STRUCTURES COVERED WITH GRASS AND MUD. THEY ALSO BUILT RAMADAS AND USED THEM AS CLUBHOUSES.
WOMEN GATHERED PLANTS AND SEEDS, THEY MADE BEAUTIFUL BASKETS, AND SHAPED RED AND BLACK POTTERY. THEY MADE CLOTHING OF SHREDDED BARK AND HIDE SANDALS AND RABBIT SKIN BLANKETS. MEN WOVE COTTON ON A HORIZONTAL TEAM, EACH LEADER OF A VILLAGE WAS THE KEEPER OF THE SMOKE. EACH LEADER OF AVILLAGE WAS THE KEEPER OF THE SMOKE. EACH VILLAGE HAD TWO CLANS WHO WERE ORGANIZED INTO CELEBRATING A HARVEST. AND THEIR GOD'S WERE ELDER BROTHER AND EARTHMAKER.
THE GILA RIVER PIMAS WERE ENDED UP SETTLING TO THE NORTH OF THE SALT RIVER WHERE THEIR RESERVATION WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1879. THE PIMAS SHARE THE SALT RIVER WITH THE MARICOPA AND YUMAN SPEAKING PEOPLE. THEY ARE YUMAN SPEAKING AND MIGRATED FROM THE WEST IN THE 1700S BECAUSE THE YUMANS MADE THE ATTACKS ON THEM AT THIS TIME. THE PIMAS HAVE A HIGH RATE OF DIABETES AS THEY ARE NOT THAT ACTIVE AND EAT TOO MUCH MODERN BOXED FOODS.
CARL WALDMAN
THEY LIVED ALONG THE SALT AND GILA RIVERS AND ALONG THE RIVERS IN SONORA. THE PAPAGO LIVED TO THE WEST OF THE UPPER PIMAS. THE HOHOKAM ARE THE ANCESTORS OF THESE TRIBES AND THE WORD MEANS "VANISHED ONES". THEY USED ADVANCED AGRICULTURE AND IRRIGATED THEIR CROPS. THEY DIVERTED WATER FROM RIVERS TO HAVE FIELDS OF CROPS SUCH AS CORN, SQUASH, BEANS, PUMPKINS AND TOBACCO. THE ANGLOS INTRODUCED WHEAT AND ALFALFA TO THEM.
THE MEN WERE THE FARMERS AND FISHERMEN AND HUNTED GAME ANIMALS. THEY ALSO BUILT THEIR HOMES OF POLE FRAMED STRUCTURES COVERED WITH GRASS AND MUD. THEY ALSO BUILT RAMADAS AND USED THEM AS CLUBHOUSES.
WOMEN GATHERED PLANTS AND SEEDS, THEY MADE BEAUTIFUL BASKETS, AND SHAPED RED AND BLACK POTTERY. THEY MADE CLOTHING OF SHREDDED BARK AND HIDE SANDALS AND RABBIT SKIN BLANKETS. MEN WOVE COTTON ON A HORIZONTAL TEAM, EACH LEADER OF A VILLAGE WAS THE KEEPER OF THE SMOKE. EACH LEADER OF AVILLAGE WAS THE KEEPER OF THE SMOKE. EACH VILLAGE HAD TWO CLANS WHO WERE ORGANIZED INTO CELEBRATING A HARVEST. AND THEIR GOD'S WERE ELDER BROTHER AND EARTHMAKER.
THE GILA RIVER PIMAS WERE ENDED UP SETTLING TO THE NORTH OF THE SALT RIVER WHERE THEIR RESERVATION WAS ESTABLISHED IN 1879. THE PIMAS SHARE THE SALT RIVER WITH THE MARICOPA AND YUMAN SPEAKING PEOPLE. THEY ARE YUMAN SPEAKING AND MIGRATED FROM THE WEST IN THE 1700S BECAUSE THE YUMANS MADE THE ATTACKS ON THEM AT THIS TIME. THE PIMAS HAVE A HIGH RATE OF DIABETES AS THEY ARE NOT THAT ACTIVE AND EAT TOO MUCH MODERN BOXED FOODS.
CARL WALDMAN
Monday, September 20, 2010
IMPROVE THEATRE
I RECENTLY WENT TO THE BEST OF SONOMA COUNTY IMPROVE THEATRE. IT'S CALLED SIXTH STREET THEATRE. THERE WERE SIX DIFFERENT GROUPS OF IMPROVE ACTORS AND ACTRESSES. THEY ACTED OUT AND SPOKE ABOUTCLUES GIVEN TO THEM BY THE AUDIENCE. SOME OF THE GROUPS ASKED FOR WORDS AND THE GROUPS DID SILLY THINGS, GAMES, AND SONGS AROUND A WORD. IT WAS JUST PURE SILLINESS AT IT'S BEST AND EVERYONE HAD A GREAT TIME.
PEOPLE SHOUTED OUT WORDS WHEN THE NEXT GROUP CAME OUT AND THEY IMPROVISED SOME OTHER ACTS. THEY WERE QUITE INCREDIBLE. ONE GROUP IMPROVISED BEING ON AN ELEVATOR - THEY FOUND WAYS TO FEEL AS IF THE ELEVATOR WAS TAKING THEM TO TO DIFFERENT STORIES. AND THEY ACTED AS IF THEY WERE CROWDING INTO IT.
ONE GROUP ACTED OUT FEELINGS THAT THE AUDIENCE GAVE THEM. THEN WITH THESE FEELINGS THEY SANG THOSE FEELINGS THAT WERE LED BY A CONDUCTOR. IT WAS QUITE ENTERTAINING.
THE IMPROVE GROUPSWENT ON FOR 2 1/2 HOURS. I ALSO SAW A GROUP PERFORM ANIMAL SOUNDS AND MOTIONS. IT WAS QUITE INTERESTING. AND FUNNY. THE THING ABOUT IMPROV IS THAT IT'S NOT EASY TO DESCRIBE WHAT WENT ON AS THE ACTS GO ON AND ONVERY FAST. THE ACTORS MAKE COMMENTS THAT COME TO THEM EXTREMELY FAST.
PEOPLE SHOUTED OUT WORDS WHEN THE NEXT GROUP CAME OUT AND THEY IMPROVISED SOME OTHER ACTS. THEY WERE QUITE INCREDIBLE. ONE GROUP IMPROVISED BEING ON AN ELEVATOR - THEY FOUND WAYS TO FEEL AS IF THE ELEVATOR WAS TAKING THEM TO TO DIFFERENT STORIES. AND THEY ACTED AS IF THEY WERE CROWDING INTO IT.
ONE GROUP ACTED OUT FEELINGS THAT THE AUDIENCE GAVE THEM. THEN WITH THESE FEELINGS THEY SANG THOSE FEELINGS THAT WERE LED BY A CONDUCTOR. IT WAS QUITE ENTERTAINING.
THE IMPROVE GROUPSWENT ON FOR 2 1/2 HOURS. I ALSO SAW A GROUP PERFORM ANIMAL SOUNDS AND MOTIONS. IT WAS QUITE INTERESTING. AND FUNNY. THE THING ABOUT IMPROV IS THAT IT'S NOT EASY TO DESCRIBE WHAT WENT ON AS THE ACTS GO ON AND ONVERY FAST. THE ACTORS MAKE COMMENTS THAT COME TO THEM EXTREMELY FAST.
RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL
THE OTHER DAY I WENT TO SEBASTOPOL AT IVES PARK TO WATCH THE RENAISSANCE FAIR. THEY HAD MUSICALS AND PLAYS. EVERYONEWAS DRESSED UP IN COSTUMES TO THE TUNE OF THE RENAISSANCE DAYS. THEY HAD MANY TYPES OF CHARACTERS PLAYING IN MUSICALS OR IN DIFFERENT SINGING GROUPS WITH FIFES AND DRUMS, ACCORDIONS, AND OLDER TYPES OF INSTRUMENTS. I ATTENDED A SILLY PLAY WITH A CAST OF RENAISSANCE CHARACTERS THAT WERE ON A BOAT AT TIMES. SOME HAD NOT BEEN ABLE TO FIND A WIFE. THEY WERE PLAYING SILLY GAMES WITH FOOD, NUTS AND BERRIES. A SMALL BOY WAS DRESSED AS A SUNFLOWER AND THEY PRETENDED TO EAT HIM. THERE WAS A LADY WHO NARRATED THE STORY.
THERE WAS A MAN TEACHING CHILDREN CALLIGRAPHY. THE CHILDREN WERE MAKING THEIR FIRST ATTEMPT TO USE A QUILL PEN AND INK AS THEY DID IN THE OLD DAYS.
THERE WAS A TYPE OF FIGHTING THAT WENT ON WITH CHILDREN ON A BALANCE BEAM - THEY TRIED TO KNOCK THE OTHER ONE OFF THE BEAM WITH A LARGE BAGS FILLED WITH SOME BALLS.
A WOMAN TAUGHT CHILDREN HOW TO WEAVE SYMBOLS FROM WHEAT AND OTHER STRAWS. ANOTHER WOMAN WAS SPINNING WOOL AND ANOTHER WOMAN WAS WEAVING WITH WOOL ON A SMALL LOOM. THAT WAS ON THE TABLE. CHILDREN HAD THEIR FACES PAINTED AS WELL.
THERE WERE KIDS LEARNING ARCHERY AND OTHERS LEARNING HOW TO MAKE HISTORIC SOAP - FROM IVORY FLAKES, PEPPERMINT, EUCALYPTUS, AND LAVENDER HERBS AS WELL AS OATMEAL AND WATER. IT WAS FUN TO WATCH THEM MAKE SOAP BALLS.
THEY HAD A CAMP OF GYPSIES WHO WERE PLAYING DRUMS AS WELL AND THEY HAD A TIPI NEARBY. ANYWAY, IT WAS MOSTLY SEBASTOPOL FOLKS HAVING FUN IN A DRESS UP COSTUME PARTY.
THERE WAS A MAN TEACHING CHILDREN CALLIGRAPHY. THE CHILDREN WERE MAKING THEIR FIRST ATTEMPT TO USE A QUILL PEN AND INK AS THEY DID IN THE OLD DAYS.
THERE WAS A TYPE OF FIGHTING THAT WENT ON WITH CHILDREN ON A BALANCE BEAM - THEY TRIED TO KNOCK THE OTHER ONE OFF THE BEAM WITH A LARGE BAGS FILLED WITH SOME BALLS.
A WOMAN TAUGHT CHILDREN HOW TO WEAVE SYMBOLS FROM WHEAT AND OTHER STRAWS. ANOTHER WOMAN WAS SPINNING WOOL AND ANOTHER WOMAN WAS WEAVING WITH WOOL ON A SMALL LOOM. THAT WAS ON THE TABLE. CHILDREN HAD THEIR FACES PAINTED AS WELL.
THERE WERE KIDS LEARNING ARCHERY AND OTHERS LEARNING HOW TO MAKE HISTORIC SOAP - FROM IVORY FLAKES, PEPPERMINT, EUCALYPTUS, AND LAVENDER HERBS AS WELL AS OATMEAL AND WATER. IT WAS FUN TO WATCH THEM MAKE SOAP BALLS.
THEY HAD A CAMP OF GYPSIES WHO WERE PLAYING DRUMS AS WELL AND THEY HAD A TIPI NEARBY. ANYWAY, IT WAS MOSTLY SEBASTOPOL FOLKS HAVING FUN IN A DRESS UP COSTUME PARTY.
WATERCOLOR ARTISTS AT CODDINGTON
THE OTHER DAY I WALKED AROUND CODDINGTOWN WHEN IT WAS RAINING AND MET SOME WATER COLOR ARTISTS WHO HAD A DISPLAY THERE. SOME WERE TEACHERS AT THE J C OTHERS WERE SELF TAUGHT WHILE OTHERS WERE JUST BEGINNING. SOME WERE EXTREMELY GOOD LOOKING AND SEEMED TO BE LIKE PHOTOGRAPHS WHILE OTHERS WERE MORE AMATUER LIKE.
THEY PAINTED LANDSCAPES, FLOWERS, CATS, SUREAL SCENES, AS WELL AS BUILDINGS AND SONOMA COUBTY RURAL SCENES. A NUMBER OF ARTISTS WERE WORKING ON PAINTINGS AND DISCUSSING HOW THE DID THEIR WORK.
THEY HAD FORMED AN ASSOCIATION THAT SHOWED THEIR WORKS AT VARIOUSMALLS AND OTHER VENUES TO BECOME BETTER ARTISTS. MOST OF THEM WERE RETIRED.
THEY PAINTED LANDSCAPES, FLOWERS, CATS, SUREAL SCENES, AS WELL AS BUILDINGS AND SONOMA COUBTY RURAL SCENES. A NUMBER OF ARTISTS WERE WORKING ON PAINTINGS AND DISCUSSING HOW THE DID THEIR WORK.
THEY HAD FORMED AN ASSOCIATION THAT SHOWED THEIR WORKS AT VARIOUSMALLS AND OTHER VENUES TO BECOME BETTER ARTISTS. MOST OF THEM WERE RETIRED.
Friday, September 17, 2010
NAVAJO CEREMONY
LUCI IS A POET AND PROFESSIONAL OF THE NAVAJO. SHE IS BORN IN SHIPROCK, NEW MEXICO.
MY COMMUNITY HAS BEEN A MAJOR INFLUENCE. SHE SPEAKS ABOUT THE MEANING OF HER CEREMONY AND THEIR FAMILY CONCERNS. LUCI SAYS THE HOLY PEOPLE GAVE GREAT POWER IN THE LIVES OF HER RELATIVES. IN THE ORIGIN STORY IN THE 'NIGHTWAY CEREMONY TALKING" GOD ASKED RED GOD 'DO YOU KNOW WHO THESE RED PEOPLE ARE?" GOD SAID NO.TALKING GOD SAID THE PEOPLE WERE THEIR KIN.THEIR IS AN ANCIENT CONNECTION, THIS IS ALIVE WHICH IS VERY IMPORTANT. CEREMONY PLAYS A VERY IMPORTANT ROLE IN THE LIVES OF MANY PEOPLE.
THE HOPI PRESENT THEIR CHILDREN TO TAWA, THE SUN AND PLACE A SMALL AMOUNT OF CORNMEAL INTO THEIR BABIES MOUTHS, AND SAY " THIS IS WHAT WE EAT.?"
MANY NAVAJO PEOPLE INTRODUCE THEIR CHILDREN TO A LARGER COMMUNITY, AND ANIMALS, PLANTS, AND SPECIAL PLACES OF THEIR REGION. SOME WALK WITH THEIR CHILDREN AT NIGHT AND TELL THEM THEIR RELATIVES LIVE AMONG THE MILKY WAY.
EACH STAGE OF LIFE IS CELEBRATED AS IS THE CYCLE OF THE SEASONS. WHEN A NAVAJO BABY LAUGHS ALOUD THEY HOLD A FIRST LAUGHING CEREMONY. IT IS MEANINGFUL BECAUSE HER LAUGHTER SHOWED SHE HAD CONNECTED HER THINKING WITH HER EMOTIONS. IT IS RELATED TO A NAVAJO CONCEPT THAT THINKING IS ASSOCIATED WITH THE BEGINNING OF CREATION, CHILDHOOD AND SUNRISE.
THE CEREMONY IS HELD WITHIN FOUR DAYS OF THE FIRST LAUGH. OTHER GRANDCHILDREN WERE LAUGHING WITH DELIGHT AS THEY KNEW ABOUT THE CEREMONY. THE HOUSE WAS CHEERFUL AND PLANS WERE MADE TO ISSUE INVITATIONS TO OTHER FRIENDS. THIS CEREMONY WAS PERFORMED FOR WHITE SHELL GIRL WHO GREW UP TO BECOME CHANGING WOMEN, WHO WAS A DIETY WHO CREATED THE ANCESTORS OF THE PRESENT DAY DINE.
DURING THE MID 1990'S THE NAVAJO ECONOMY CHANGED FROM THEIR TRADITIONAL LIFESTYLE TO A WAGE ECONOMY THAT FORCED PEOPLE TO SEEK EMPLOYMENT AWAY FROM THE RESERVATION.
EACH TIME THEIR RITUALS ARE PERFORMED, SPECIFIC STORIES, AND SONGS AND PRAYERS ACCOMPANY THEM. THE FIRST LAUGH STORY IS A COMING OF AGE STORY FOR GIRLS - AND PART OF THE BEAUTY WAY CEREMONY.
THE FIRST LAUGH CEREMONY INCLUDES NATURAL ROCK, SALT, AND TSAD, A CEREMONIAL BASKET USED IN THE RITUAL. THE MAIN EVENT IS WHEN THE BABY GIVES GIFTS TO EVERYONE.
A LINE FORMS BEFORE THE BABY AND PARENTS DISTRIBUTESALT AND GIFTSTO EACH PERSON. ORIGINALLY OLD SALT WOMEN MADE WHITE SHELL GIRL LAUGH, AND SHE WAS A SPONSOR.
SHEEP ARE IMPORTANT SYMBOLS TO THE NAVAJO AND ARE PART OF ALL EVENTS INCLUDING THE FIRST LAUGH DINNER. THE CHILDREN MAKE GIFT BUNDLES AND TREATS FASTENED WITH RIBBON. ACOMA CUSTOMS HAVE INFLUENCED THE NAVAJO HERE.
THE MEN BRING HOME BAGS OF GIFTS AND FRUITS. THEY ARRANGE WOOL BLANKETS. FOR THE CEREMONY.
ORIGIN OF CEREMONY
THIS CEREMONY IS TRACED BACK TO THE BEGINNING OF TIME. HANE MEANS STORIES AND INCLUDES A SENSE OF HISTORY. PEOPLE PAY ATTENTION TO EACH OTHER.THUS CHILDREN UNDERSTAND EVENTS FROM CENTURIES AGO ARE IMPORTANT FOR THEIR OWN DAILY LIVES. TODAY THE DINE ARE AWAY FROM SIGHT OF THE SACRED MOUNTAINS AND THEIR HOMES. THEY PRAY AT DAWN. THEY ARE GRATEFUL TO BE DINE PEOPLE. THIS STORY GOES ON AND ON. IT RESOLVES THAT WE CARE FOR EACH OTHER AND WE RESPECT AND CONTINUE TO ADHERE TO THE HOLY PEOPLE'S TEACHINGS.
AFTER SLEEPING THE CHILDREN ARE GIVEN CORN POLLEN FOR PRAYERS. THE PARENT'S OF THE HOUSE WERE GRATEFUL FOR THE HOLY PEOPLE AND CHANGING WOMEN'S QUALITIES THAT THEY INSTILL. THEY WERE HAPPY FOR THEIR FUTURE.
LUCI TAPAHONSO
LUCI TAPAHONSO
MY COMMUNITY HAS BEEN A MAJOR INFLUENCE. SHE SPEAKS ABOUT THE MEANING OF HER CEREMONY AND THEIR FAMILY CONCERNS. LUCI SAYS THE HOLY PEOPLE GAVE GREAT POWER IN THE LIVES OF HER RELATIVES. IN THE ORIGIN STORY IN THE 'NIGHTWAY CEREMONY TALKING" GOD ASKED RED GOD 'DO YOU KNOW WHO THESE RED PEOPLE ARE?" GOD SAID NO.TALKING GOD SAID THE PEOPLE WERE THEIR KIN.THEIR IS AN ANCIENT CONNECTION, THIS IS ALIVE WHICH IS VERY IMPORTANT. CEREMONY PLAYS A VERY IMPORTANT ROLE IN THE LIVES OF MANY PEOPLE.
THE HOPI PRESENT THEIR CHILDREN TO TAWA, THE SUN AND PLACE A SMALL AMOUNT OF CORNMEAL INTO THEIR BABIES MOUTHS, AND SAY " THIS IS WHAT WE EAT.?"
MANY NAVAJO PEOPLE INTRODUCE THEIR CHILDREN TO A LARGER COMMUNITY, AND ANIMALS, PLANTS, AND SPECIAL PLACES OF THEIR REGION. SOME WALK WITH THEIR CHILDREN AT NIGHT AND TELL THEM THEIR RELATIVES LIVE AMONG THE MILKY WAY.
EACH STAGE OF LIFE IS CELEBRATED AS IS THE CYCLE OF THE SEASONS. WHEN A NAVAJO BABY LAUGHS ALOUD THEY HOLD A FIRST LAUGHING CEREMONY. IT IS MEANINGFUL BECAUSE HER LAUGHTER SHOWED SHE HAD CONNECTED HER THINKING WITH HER EMOTIONS. IT IS RELATED TO A NAVAJO CONCEPT THAT THINKING IS ASSOCIATED WITH THE BEGINNING OF CREATION, CHILDHOOD AND SUNRISE.
THE CEREMONY IS HELD WITHIN FOUR DAYS OF THE FIRST LAUGH. OTHER GRANDCHILDREN WERE LAUGHING WITH DELIGHT AS THEY KNEW ABOUT THE CEREMONY. THE HOUSE WAS CHEERFUL AND PLANS WERE MADE TO ISSUE INVITATIONS TO OTHER FRIENDS. THIS CEREMONY WAS PERFORMED FOR WHITE SHELL GIRL WHO GREW UP TO BECOME CHANGING WOMEN, WHO WAS A DIETY WHO CREATED THE ANCESTORS OF THE PRESENT DAY DINE.
DURING THE MID 1990'S THE NAVAJO ECONOMY CHANGED FROM THEIR TRADITIONAL LIFESTYLE TO A WAGE ECONOMY THAT FORCED PEOPLE TO SEEK EMPLOYMENT AWAY FROM THE RESERVATION.
EACH TIME THEIR RITUALS ARE PERFORMED, SPECIFIC STORIES, AND SONGS AND PRAYERS ACCOMPANY THEM. THE FIRST LAUGH STORY IS A COMING OF AGE STORY FOR GIRLS - AND PART OF THE BEAUTY WAY CEREMONY.
THE FIRST LAUGH CEREMONY INCLUDES NATURAL ROCK, SALT, AND TSAD, A CEREMONIAL BASKET USED IN THE RITUAL. THE MAIN EVENT IS WHEN THE BABY GIVES GIFTS TO EVERYONE.
A LINE FORMS BEFORE THE BABY AND PARENTS DISTRIBUTESALT AND GIFTSTO EACH PERSON. ORIGINALLY OLD SALT WOMEN MADE WHITE SHELL GIRL LAUGH, AND SHE WAS A SPONSOR.
SHEEP ARE IMPORTANT SYMBOLS TO THE NAVAJO AND ARE PART OF ALL EVENTS INCLUDING THE FIRST LAUGH DINNER. THE CHILDREN MAKE GIFT BUNDLES AND TREATS FASTENED WITH RIBBON. ACOMA CUSTOMS HAVE INFLUENCED THE NAVAJO HERE.
THE MEN BRING HOME BAGS OF GIFTS AND FRUITS. THEY ARRANGE WOOL BLANKETS. FOR THE CEREMONY.
ORIGIN OF CEREMONY
THIS CEREMONY IS TRACED BACK TO THE BEGINNING OF TIME. HANE MEANS STORIES AND INCLUDES A SENSE OF HISTORY. PEOPLE PAY ATTENTION TO EACH OTHER.THUS CHILDREN UNDERSTAND EVENTS FROM CENTURIES AGO ARE IMPORTANT FOR THEIR OWN DAILY LIVES. TODAY THE DINE ARE AWAY FROM SIGHT OF THE SACRED MOUNTAINS AND THEIR HOMES. THEY PRAY AT DAWN. THEY ARE GRATEFUL TO BE DINE PEOPLE. THIS STORY GOES ON AND ON. IT RESOLVES THAT WE CARE FOR EACH OTHER AND WE RESPECT AND CONTINUE TO ADHERE TO THE HOLY PEOPLE'S TEACHINGS.
AFTER SLEEPING THE CHILDREN ARE GIVEN CORN POLLEN FOR PRAYERS. THE PARENT'S OF THE HOUSE WERE GRATEFUL FOR THE HOLY PEOPLE AND CHANGING WOMEN'S QUALITIES THAT THEY INSTILL. THEY WERE HAPPY FOR THEIR FUTURE.
LUCI TAPAHONSO
LUCI TAPAHONSO
Thursday, September 16, 2010
SACRED FELINE
FELINES HAVE BEEN DEPICTED AS SYMBOLS OF POWER AND DEITY IN EGYPT AS WELL AS IN MEXICO AND THE SOUTHWEST U. S. CAT CERAMICS FROM MEXICO DATE TO 2000 B.P. ACCORDING TO LEGEND A CAT LIVES AT THE BOTTOM OF LAKE TITIKAKA.
FELINE IS AN UBIQUITIS SYMBOLS IN OUR POLITICAL, RELIGIOUS, AND ASTRONOMICAL SYSTEMS, AND CARRIES SUCH MEANINGS AS NIGHT, FIRE, POWER AND HIERARCHY. THE FELINE IS ALSO A METAMOPHIC REPRESENTATION OF FEMALE ELEMENTS SUCH AS WATER, THE MOON, AND CREATION.
IN THE ANDEAN TRIBES CONDORS AND FELINES ARE AT THE TOP OF THE HIERARCHY AND ARE CONSIDERED THE CLOSEST BEINGS TO THE CREATOR. IN MEXICO THEIR PREHISTORIC CERAMICS HAD IMAGES TO PUMA AND CONDOR. DURING CEREMONIES THEY BURNED INCENSE AND COPAL. THEIR PRAYERS ARE CARRIED TO THE CREATOR.
FELINE IS AN UBIQUITIS SYMBOLS IN OUR POLITICAL, RELIGIOUS, AND ASTRONOMICAL SYSTEMS, AND CARRIES SUCH MEANINGS AS NIGHT, FIRE, POWER AND HIERARCHY. THE FELINE IS ALSO A METAMOPHIC REPRESENTATION OF FEMALE ELEMENTS SUCH AS WATER, THE MOON, AND CREATION.
IN THE ANDEAN TRIBES CONDORS AND FELINES ARE AT THE TOP OF THE HIERARCHY AND ARE CONSIDERED THE CLOSEST BEINGS TO THE CREATOR. IN MEXICO THEIR PREHISTORIC CERAMICS HAD IMAGES TO PUMA AND CONDOR. DURING CEREMONIES THEY BURNED INCENSE AND COPAL. THEIR PRAYERS ARE CARRIED TO THE CREATOR.
IN MAYA CULTURE AND WORLDVIEW
THE HEAVENLY BODIES ARE GIVEN NAMES AS HAVING KINSHIP RELATIONSHIPS WITH HUMANS ON EARTH. THE MAYA CALL THE SUN KOMEN TZAYIK OUR FATHER THE SUN AND NAME THE MOON KOMI XACHAW. THE MAYANS SEE THEMSELVES AS SUBJECTS IN THE SKY WORLD TO HELP AND BE GIVING AND BRING BEAUTY TO THE EARTH. THE KNOWN CELESTIAL FORMATIONS ARE NOT HUMANS,
BUT ARE LINKED TO HUMANS FOR LIFE ON THIS PLANET. THUS THE MAYA CONCEPT OF WORLD'S IN BALANCE EXTENDS TO THE HUMANS AND THE ENVIRONMENT BUT ALSO TO THE COSMOS ITSELF. THE PARENT'S TEACH THEIR CHILDREN PRAYERS AND STORIES WITH ETHICAL MASSAGES THAT MOLD THEIR BEHAVIOR. MANY HILLS AND MOUNTAINS HAVE SPECIAL NAMES THAT DISPLAY HUMAN CHARACTERISTICS. THE MAYA WORLDVIEW IS MAINTAINED THROUGH SPECIAL COMMUNICATION. THEY RESPECT NATURE AND TREAT THE EARTH WELL. THEY PRAY AND ASK PERMISSION BEFORE CUTTING A TUNNEL INTO A SACRED MOUNTAIN.
A MAYAN FARMER WILL BURN CANDLES AT FOUR CORNERS OF HIS PLOT. HE BEGS FORGIVENESS AND ASKS PERMISSION TO CUT THE TREES FROM THE MOUNTAINS. AN ALTAR IS BUILT INSIDE THE HOUSE AT THE CENTER OF THE BACK WALL. HERE OFFERINGS OF FOOD AND DRINK ARE PLACED FOR THE SPIRITS OF THE RELATIVES WHO VISIT THE FAMILY. HOUSES ARE BLESSED IN MAYA COMMUNITIES. THE TRADITION OF BLESSING THE GROUND BEFORE CONSTRUCTION IS NOT COMMONLY PRACTICED.
TODAY SOME PEOPLE ARE ABANDONING THEIR COMMUNITIES AND SETTLING AT PREHISTORC SITES TO SELL THEIR ARTS AND CRAFTS. SOME MAKE GOOD INCOMES. THE LACADON MAYA MAKE PILGRIMAGES TO THE CLASSIC MAYA SITES. THEY PERFORM OLD RITUALS AT THESE SITES. THEY BELIEVE THE DIRECT DECENDANTS OF THE MAYA WHO BUILT THESE TEMPLES.
THUS THE MAYA CONCEPT OF WORLDS IS IN BALANCE AND EXTENDS TO THE HUMANS AND ENVIRONMENT BUT ALSO TO THE COSMOS ITSELF. THE PARENTS TEACH THEIR CHILDREN PRAYERS STORIES WITH ETHICAL MESSAGES THAT MOLD THEIR BEHAVIOR. MANY HILLS AND MOUNTAINS HAVE SPECIAL NAMES THAT HAVE AND DISPLAY HUMAN CHARACTERISTICS. THE MAYA WORLDVIEW IS MAINTAINED THROUGH SPECIAL COMMUNICATIONS. THEY RESPECT NATURE AND TREAT THE EARTH WELL.
THEY PRAY AND ASK PERMISSION BEFORE CUTTING A TUNNEL INTO A SACRED MOUNTAIN. A MAYAN FARMER WILL BURN CANDLES AT 4 CORNERS OF HIS PLOT. HE BEGS FORGIVENESS AND ASKS PERMISSION TO CUT THE TREES FROM THE MOUNTAINS.
GERALD MCMASTER
BUT ARE LINKED TO HUMANS FOR LIFE ON THIS PLANET. THUS THE MAYA CONCEPT OF WORLD'S IN BALANCE EXTENDS TO THE HUMANS AND THE ENVIRONMENT BUT ALSO TO THE COSMOS ITSELF. THE PARENT'S TEACH THEIR CHILDREN PRAYERS AND STORIES WITH ETHICAL MASSAGES THAT MOLD THEIR BEHAVIOR. MANY HILLS AND MOUNTAINS HAVE SPECIAL NAMES THAT DISPLAY HUMAN CHARACTERISTICS. THE MAYA WORLDVIEW IS MAINTAINED THROUGH SPECIAL COMMUNICATION. THEY RESPECT NATURE AND TREAT THE EARTH WELL. THEY PRAY AND ASK PERMISSION BEFORE CUTTING A TUNNEL INTO A SACRED MOUNTAIN.
A MAYAN FARMER WILL BURN CANDLES AT FOUR CORNERS OF HIS PLOT. HE BEGS FORGIVENESS AND ASKS PERMISSION TO CUT THE TREES FROM THE MOUNTAINS. AN ALTAR IS BUILT INSIDE THE HOUSE AT THE CENTER OF THE BACK WALL. HERE OFFERINGS OF FOOD AND DRINK ARE PLACED FOR THE SPIRITS OF THE RELATIVES WHO VISIT THE FAMILY. HOUSES ARE BLESSED IN MAYA COMMUNITIES. THE TRADITION OF BLESSING THE GROUND BEFORE CONSTRUCTION IS NOT COMMONLY PRACTICED.
TODAY SOME PEOPLE ARE ABANDONING THEIR COMMUNITIES AND SETTLING AT PREHISTORC SITES TO SELL THEIR ARTS AND CRAFTS. SOME MAKE GOOD INCOMES. THE LACADON MAYA MAKE PILGRIMAGES TO THE CLASSIC MAYA SITES. THEY PERFORM OLD RITUALS AT THESE SITES. THEY BELIEVE THE DIRECT DECENDANTS OF THE MAYA WHO BUILT THESE TEMPLES.
THUS THE MAYA CONCEPT OF WORLDS IS IN BALANCE AND EXTENDS TO THE HUMANS AND ENVIRONMENT BUT ALSO TO THE COSMOS ITSELF. THE PARENTS TEACH THEIR CHILDREN PRAYERS STORIES WITH ETHICAL MESSAGES THAT MOLD THEIR BEHAVIOR. MANY HILLS AND MOUNTAINS HAVE SPECIAL NAMES THAT HAVE AND DISPLAY HUMAN CHARACTERISTICS. THE MAYA WORLDVIEW IS MAINTAINED THROUGH SPECIAL COMMUNICATIONS. THEY RESPECT NATURE AND TREAT THE EARTH WELL.
THEY PRAY AND ASK PERMISSION BEFORE CUTTING A TUNNEL INTO A SACRED MOUNTAIN. A MAYAN FARMER WILL BURN CANDLES AT 4 CORNERS OF HIS PLOT. HE BEGS FORGIVENESS AND ASKS PERMISSION TO CUT THE TREES FROM THE MOUNTAINS.
GERALD MCMASTER
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
CHEROKEE LEADER - WILMANKILLER
SHE WAS ELECTED AS 1ST LEADER WOMAN CHIEF OF LARGEST TRIBE IN US IN 1987. HER SURENAME IS AN ANCIENT TITLE GIVEN TO A PERSON WHO WATCHES OVER A CHEROKEE VILLAGE. EARLY ON SHE WAS FROM A TIGHT COMMUNITY IN NORTHEAST OKLAHOMA. SHE SAW PEOPLE HELPING EACH OTHER SHE DREW ON LESSONS FROM HER YOUTH AND NOT BEING SELF ABSORBED. HE DREW ON LESSONS FROM HER YOUTH TO GUIDE HER NATION. WHILE IN OFFICE THE TRIBAL ENROLLMENT EXPANDED, EMPLOYMENT DOUBLED AND THERE WERE NEW HEALTH CENTERS CREATED AND CHILDREN'S PROGRAMS WERE FORMED. IN 1998 CLINTON GAVE HER THE HIGHEST CIVILIAN HONOR GIVEN TO AN AMERICAN. SHE HAD A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH THE HISTORY OF HER PEOPLE. SHE ASKS HER PEOPLE TO PUT THEIR WORK AND ISSUES, INTO HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE. SHE ASKS HER PEOPLE TO JOIN HER ON ALCATRAZ ISLAND AND WORK ON BEHALF OF PIT RIVER INDIANS. THESE EXPERIENCES GAVE HER AN ABILITY TO LEAD HER TRIBE. SHE EMPHASIZES SELF DETERMINATION, SPIRIT, AND SELF DETERMINATION. SHE CONSIDERS THE FUTURE AS A BETTER TIME FOR SHARED CONCERN OF ALL INDIANS.
Monday, September 13, 2010
CULTURAL DIVERSITY FAIR
ON SUNDAY I WENT FROM CHURCH TO A CULTURAL DIVERSITY FAIR AT ELSIE ALLEN HIGH SCHOOL. I HAD HEARD ABOUT IT AT KJZY ON THE WEB. NOT MANY PEOPLE ATTENDED IT. THERE WERE PROBABLY ABOUT 60 PEOPLE TOWARDS THE END OF THE DAY - IT WAS A VERY PLEASANT AND WARM DAY. THERE WAS A LARGE GROUP OF MEXICAN DANCERS WHO WERE WEARING VIBRANT CLOTHING WITH LARGE FEATHER HEADDRESSES. THEY HAD A BAND WHO WERE PLAYING MEXICAN MUSIC AND THEY DANCED TO THE WONDERFUL TUNES OF MARIACHIS.
A HIGH SCHOOL JAZZ BAND PLAYED AND WERE QUITE GOOD - THEY HAD CLARINETS DRUMS, A SLIDING TROMBONE, A TRUMPET, CLARINETS, A DRUM, AND GUITARS.
ANOTHER GROUP WAS A CHINESE DRUMMING GROUP WHO PLAYED TAIKO DRUMS WITH AN INTERESTING TUNE. THEY THEN ALL GOT TOGETHERFOR SOME CHINESE DANCING. FOUR OF THE GUYS THEN FORMED A 25 ' DRAGON. FOUR OF THE GUYS THEN FORMED 2 CHINESE LIONS WHO SNAPPED AT PEOPLE AS THEY DANCED AROUND THE ARENA. ANOTHER THREE CHINESE GIRLS DANCED TO SYNCOPATED RYTHM.
IT WAS INTERESTING THAT I MET A HEALER AND HERBALIST FROM UGANDA! HER INDEX FINGERS WERE JUST LIKE MINE - THEY CURVE OUTWARD. SHE WAS A VOLUNTEER FOR SOME SCHOOL PROGRAMS WHICH NEEDED HEALTH AND MEDICINE AND MORE KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THE WAY WE CAN PLANT OUR FOODS. SHE SAID HER COUNTRY AND BELIEF WAS THAT WE REINCARNATE. WE DISCUSSED THAT FOR AWHILE AND WHAT HER COUNTRY WAS LIKE.
A HIGH SCHOOL JAZZ BAND PLAYED AND WERE QUITE GOOD - THEY HAD CLARINETS DRUMS, A SLIDING TROMBONE, A TRUMPET, CLARINETS, A DRUM, AND GUITARS.
ANOTHER GROUP WAS A CHINESE DRUMMING GROUP WHO PLAYED TAIKO DRUMS WITH AN INTERESTING TUNE. THEY THEN ALL GOT TOGETHERFOR SOME CHINESE DANCING. FOUR OF THE GUYS THEN FORMED A 25 ' DRAGON. FOUR OF THE GUYS THEN FORMED 2 CHINESE LIONS WHO SNAPPED AT PEOPLE AS THEY DANCED AROUND THE ARENA. ANOTHER THREE CHINESE GIRLS DANCED TO SYNCOPATED RYTHM.
IT WAS INTERESTING THAT I MET A HEALER AND HERBALIST FROM UGANDA! HER INDEX FINGERS WERE JUST LIKE MINE - THEY CURVE OUTWARD. SHE WAS A VOLUNTEER FOR SOME SCHOOL PROGRAMS WHICH NEEDED HEALTH AND MEDICINE AND MORE KNOWLEDGE ABOUT THE WAY WE CAN PLANT OUR FOODS. SHE SAID HER COUNTRY AND BELIEF WAS THAT WE REINCARNATE. WE DISCUSSED THAT FOR AWHILE AND WHAT HER COUNTRY WAS LIKE.
PRACTICING THE PRESENCE OF PEACE IN DEEPEST GRATITUDE
TODAY THE CHURCH LESSON WAS ABOUT EXTRAPOLATING TOO LARGE OF A THOUGHT ABOUT WHAT NEGATIVES WE HAVE OR MIGHT HAPPEN TO US IN THE FUTURE. THE MINISTER SAID THAT THE POPE ALSO REVEALED THAT THERE IS NO HELL, HOWEVER MANY RELIGIOUS PEOPLE STILL THINK THERE IS. HE SAID WE ARE ALL PERFECT JUST AS WE ARE AND WE ONLY NEED TO LOOK WITHIN IN ORDER TO SEE HOW TO HAVE DEEP GRATITUDE AND LIVE LIFE FULL OF INSPIRATION AND INNER PEACE. HE QUOTED SOMETHING FROM HOLMES WHO FOUNDED THIS CHURCH. THE MINISTER IS FROM SOUTH AFRICA. HOWEVER, HE IS WHITE WITH A BRITISH ACCENT AND IS ON A RADIO STATION. HE USED A VIBRANT EXAMPLE AS TO HOW HIS FRIEND WAS IN HIS HOUSE AND THE CAT BROUGHT IN A LIZARD AS HIS FRIEND TOLD HIM. EVEN THOUGH HE DID NOT SEE THE LIZARD HE THOUGHT ABOUT IT CONSTANTLY. IT TOOK OVER HIS ABILITY TO RELAX AS HE THOUGHT ABOUT A REPTILE BEING IN HIS HOUSE. HOWEVER HIS FRIEND MAY HAVE BEEN TELLING HIM A RUMOR. IN OTHER WORDS HE SAID IT WAS A STRANGE THING THAT HIS HEAD WAS FILLED WITH THESE RUMORS. IT DID NOT LEAVE HISW MIND. HE REMINDED US THAT THE WORLD DOES NOT REVOLVE AROUND US AS INDIVIDUALS. IT WAS A GOOD LESSON TO LEARN AND IT WAS A GOOD EXAMPLE.
THEY HAD A GREAT BAND THERE TODAY. WE SANG SOME OF JOHN DENVER'S SONGS WITH THE GUITARS AND DRUMS. AND I CRIED AGAIN AS I THOUGHT ABOUT MY MOM WHO HAD ONCE ATTENDED THIS CHURCH SERVICE FOR CHRISTMAS.
THEY HAD A GREAT BAND THERE TODAY. WE SANG SOME OF JOHN DENVER'S SONGS WITH THE GUITARS AND DRUMS. AND I CRIED AGAIN AS I THOUGHT ABOUT MY MOM WHO HAD ONCE ATTENDED THIS CHURCH SERVICE FOR CHRISTMAS.
Sunday, September 12, 2010
PETALUMA ART FESTIVAL
YESTERDAY I WENT TO THE PETALUMA ART FESTIVAL AT WALNUT PARK AND SAW OVER 30 ARTISANS WHO WERE DISPLAYING THEIR WARES AND PAINTINGS AS WELL AS THEIR WOODEN ARIFACTS. THEY HAD AN ARTIST WHO MADE SOME BEUATIFUL OIL PAINTINGS OF THE WINE COUNTRY SCENE. THEY HAD MANY ARTISTS WHO PAINTED WATERCOLORS. ONE ARTIST WAS CHINESE AND MADE MANY BEAUTIFUL CHINESE WATER COLOR PAINTINGS. THEY HAD A LARGE VARITY OF FRUIT, CHEESE, AND VEGETABLE AND BREAD VENDORS. THE ORGANIC PEACHES WERE THE BEST OF ALL! THEY SAMPLED THEIR PRODUCTS AND THEY WERE GREAT. IT WAS FUN TO TALK WITH THE ARTISTS. ONE OF THE OIL PAINTERS HAD SOLD A PAINTING FOR $1500 WHICH MADE HER DAY, I'M SURE!
THERE WAS A BIG BOARD FOR THE CHILDREN TO PAINT THEIR DESIGNS ON AS WELL. THE WEATHER WAS A BIT HOT, HOWEVER PEOPLE WERE IN LINE FOR THE GREAT ICE CREAM. PEOPLE WERE EATING ALL SORTS OF FOOD. THE WALNUTS ON THE GROUND WERE FROM LAST YEAR'S CROP. THERE WERE MANY PEOPLE JUST HAVING FUN LOOKING AT ALL THE VENDORS AND MEETING ONE ANOTHER. NOT MANY PEOPLE WERE SELLING THE CREATIVE IDEAS. I RECOGNIZED THAT SOME OF THE VENDORS I HAD SPOKEN TO SEVERAL YEARS AGO AT A PARTICIPATORY COACHING MEETING I HAD FOR THEM.
THERE WAS A BIG BOARD FOR THE CHILDREN TO PAINT THEIR DESIGNS ON AS WELL. THE WEATHER WAS A BIT HOT, HOWEVER PEOPLE WERE IN LINE FOR THE GREAT ICE CREAM. PEOPLE WERE EATING ALL SORTS OF FOOD. THE WALNUTS ON THE GROUND WERE FROM LAST YEAR'S CROP. THERE WERE MANY PEOPLE JUST HAVING FUN LOOKING AT ALL THE VENDORS AND MEETING ONE ANOTHER. NOT MANY PEOPLE WERE SELLING THE CREATIVE IDEAS. I RECOGNIZED THAT SOME OF THE VENDORS I HAD SPOKEN TO SEVERAL YEARS AGO AT A PARTICIPATORY COACHING MEETING I HAD FOR THEM.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
THE ENNAGRAM
1. THE REFORMER - DESIRES FOR THE WORLD TO BE A BETTER PLACE. TOLERANT AND FORGIVING OF OTHERS. GREAT ABILITY TO HELP OTHERS AND GET ON THE RIGHT ROAD. REALLY CAN CHANGE THE WORLD AND MAKE IT A BETTER PLACE. UNDER STRESS THEY AVOID ANGER. VERY DETAIL DRIVEN, STUBBORN AND IMPERSONAL.
2. TO BE LOVED - VERY GIVING AND WANTS TO BE OF SERVICE TO OTHERS. THEY HAVE THE ABILITY TO BE A CAREGIVER WITHOUT CONDITION. ATTRACTIVE AND CAN BRING OUT THE BEST IN OTHERS. UNDER STRESS THEY DO NOT RECOGNIZE THEIR OWN NEEDS, AND ARE MANIPULATIVE. THEY ARE HOSTILE WHEN NOT LOVED.
3. THE ACHIEVER - THEY HAVE REAL CAPACITY FOR AUTHORITY AND HAVE TALENT TO ACHIEVE AND ARE OPTIMISTIC.THEY ARE OPTIMISTIC AND ARE MOTIVATORS AS WELL. UNDER STRESS THEY MAKE THEMSELVES GET LOVE THROUGH ACHIEVEMENTS. THEY BECOME HOSTILE.
4. THE ARTIST - IS A PERSON WITH A FLAIR FOR LIFE AND INVENTIVE. SHE IS PROFOUNDLY CREATIVE AND INSPIRING - IT IS ONE WHO LOVES TO LAUGH AND HAS PASSION. THEY ARE VERY SENSITIVE. UNDER STRESS THEY AVOID FEELING ORDINARY AND RETREAT INTO EMOTIONS. THEY CAN HAVE WHAT THEY WANT AND UNDERSTAND WHAT IS WRONG WITH THEM AND HEAL THAT.
5. THE THINKER - IS INGENIOUS AND A VISIONARY AND HAS A CAPACITY OF GENIUS. THEY CAN SEE BEYOND THE LIMITS OF TO THE POSSIBILITIES. THEY ARE OPEN MINDED AND INSIGHTFUL. THEY UNDERSTAND THE BIG PICTURE AND ARE AN EXPERT IN A PARTICULAR AREA. UNDER STRESS THEY TRY TO FIGURE OUT PAIN, FEARS AND ANXIETY. THEY OFTEN WANT TO BE LEFT ALONE AND DON'T SHARE THOUGHTS.
6. SAFETY AND SECURITY - ELEVATION AND SECURITY MOVEMENT TOWARD STRENGTH = LOYAL, GENTLE, INSIGHTFUL, CAPABLE AND WITH A QUICK MIND. CREATE TRUST, SECURITY, AND SAFETY FOR OTHERS. THEY ARE GOOD MEDIATORS. UNDER STRESS THEY AVOID DEVIANCE AND THEY MUST BE FULLY PREPARED. THEY ARE UNREASONABLY LOYAL AND CAN'T TRUST THE WORLD.
7. TO HAVE FUN - THEY TRUE LY ENJOY LIFE AND ARE CHILDLIKE - THEY FIND WONDER IN ALMOST EVERY AREA. THEY BRING PEOPLE A SENSE OF ENJOYMENT. THEY LIVE LIFE AT A FRENZIED PACE AND TALKS A LOT. THEY FAIL TO COMPLETE PLANS WHEN DIFFICULTIES ENTER.
8. SELF RELIANT LEADER
MOVEMENT TOWARD GROWTH AND CHANGE, CHAMPIONS THE UNDER DOG, AND IS PASSIONATE. CAN BRING OUT OTHERS STRENGTHS AND ARE RESOURCEFUL. THEY HAVE TREMENDOUS ENERGY AND PASSION.
10. PEACEMAKER - THEY ARE GENTLE AND KIND AND RELIANT AND PROVIDE GOOD MEDIATION AND HAVE A CALMING EFFECT ON EACH OTHER. UNDER STRESS THEY AVOID CONFLICT. THEY WANT EVERYTHING TO BE PEACEFUL. THEY FEEL LIKE THEY DO MAKE TROUBLE AND PROCRASTINATES.
SUSAN CARLISLE
2. TO BE LOVED - VERY GIVING AND WANTS TO BE OF SERVICE TO OTHERS. THEY HAVE THE ABILITY TO BE A CAREGIVER WITHOUT CONDITION. ATTRACTIVE AND CAN BRING OUT THE BEST IN OTHERS. UNDER STRESS THEY DO NOT RECOGNIZE THEIR OWN NEEDS, AND ARE MANIPULATIVE. THEY ARE HOSTILE WHEN NOT LOVED.
3. THE ACHIEVER - THEY HAVE REAL CAPACITY FOR AUTHORITY AND HAVE TALENT TO ACHIEVE AND ARE OPTIMISTIC.THEY ARE OPTIMISTIC AND ARE MOTIVATORS AS WELL. UNDER STRESS THEY MAKE THEMSELVES GET LOVE THROUGH ACHIEVEMENTS. THEY BECOME HOSTILE.
4. THE ARTIST - IS A PERSON WITH A FLAIR FOR LIFE AND INVENTIVE. SHE IS PROFOUNDLY CREATIVE AND INSPIRING - IT IS ONE WHO LOVES TO LAUGH AND HAS PASSION. THEY ARE VERY SENSITIVE. UNDER STRESS THEY AVOID FEELING ORDINARY AND RETREAT INTO EMOTIONS. THEY CAN HAVE WHAT THEY WANT AND UNDERSTAND WHAT IS WRONG WITH THEM AND HEAL THAT.
5. THE THINKER - IS INGENIOUS AND A VISIONARY AND HAS A CAPACITY OF GENIUS. THEY CAN SEE BEYOND THE LIMITS OF TO THE POSSIBILITIES. THEY ARE OPEN MINDED AND INSIGHTFUL. THEY UNDERSTAND THE BIG PICTURE AND ARE AN EXPERT IN A PARTICULAR AREA. UNDER STRESS THEY TRY TO FIGURE OUT PAIN, FEARS AND ANXIETY. THEY OFTEN WANT TO BE LEFT ALONE AND DON'T SHARE THOUGHTS.
6. SAFETY AND SECURITY - ELEVATION AND SECURITY MOVEMENT TOWARD STRENGTH = LOYAL, GENTLE, INSIGHTFUL, CAPABLE AND WITH A QUICK MIND. CREATE TRUST, SECURITY, AND SAFETY FOR OTHERS. THEY ARE GOOD MEDIATORS. UNDER STRESS THEY AVOID DEVIANCE AND THEY MUST BE FULLY PREPARED. THEY ARE UNREASONABLY LOYAL AND CAN'T TRUST THE WORLD.
7. TO HAVE FUN - THEY TRUE LY ENJOY LIFE AND ARE CHILDLIKE - THEY FIND WONDER IN ALMOST EVERY AREA. THEY BRING PEOPLE A SENSE OF ENJOYMENT. THEY LIVE LIFE AT A FRENZIED PACE AND TALKS A LOT. THEY FAIL TO COMPLETE PLANS WHEN DIFFICULTIES ENTER.
8. SELF RELIANT LEADER
MOVEMENT TOWARD GROWTH AND CHANGE, CHAMPIONS THE UNDER DOG, AND IS PASSIONATE. CAN BRING OUT OTHERS STRENGTHS AND ARE RESOURCEFUL. THEY HAVE TREMENDOUS ENERGY AND PASSION.
10. PEACEMAKER - THEY ARE GENTLE AND KIND AND RELIANT AND PROVIDE GOOD MEDIATION AND HAVE A CALMING EFFECT ON EACH OTHER. UNDER STRESS THEY AVOID CONFLICT. THEY WANT EVERYTHING TO BE PEACEFUL. THEY FEEL LIKE THEY DO MAKE TROUBLE AND PROCRASTINATES.
SUSAN CARLISLE
MEDICINE AND RITUAL AND CEREMONY
MEDICINE MEN HAVE LEARNED THEIR STORIES BY DREAMING AND BEING TAUGHT BY SPIRITS. SOME ARIZONA AND CALIFORNIA SHAMANS BELIEVE THAT THEY EXPERIENCE CREATION THROUGH THEIR DREAMS. SOME QUECHAN MEN REPORTED THAT HE WAS PRESENT FROM THE BEGINNING AND SAW AND HEARD IT ALL. HE DREAMED THE CREATION STORY AND LEARNED IT FIRST HAND. THE ORIGIN STORY TOOK FOUR NIGHTS TO TELL.
IN PERU THE QUECHAN MEDICINE MEN LEARNED OF HIS DESTINY BY DREAM TRAVEL. BEFORE HIS BIRTH HE WOULD SOMETIMES STEAL OUT OF HIS MOM'S WOMB WHILE SHE WAS SLEEPING. AND HE WOULD TRAVEL TO A SACRED MOUNTAIN NOT FAR FROM THE PRESENT DAY NEEDLES, CA.
THE QUECHANS BELIEVED THAT THEIR MEDICINE MEN COULD SUCK OUT SICKNESS. THE EUROPEANS BROUGHT MANY SICKNESSES THAT THE INDIANS COULD NOT CURE.
INDIAN DOCTORS HAD SPECIAL POWERS TO LOCATE, DIAGNOSE, AND TO REMOVE ILLNESSES. THEY ORGANIZED THE POWER THROUGH THE SONGS, STORIES, PAINTINGS AND RITUAL ACTS.
THE NAVAJO ENJOY A RICH HISTORY OF CULTURE AND MEDICINE. NAVAJO CEREMONY REVOLVES AROUND MAKING A PERSON IN HARMONY AND WHOLE. THE CAUSE OF ILLNESS IS OFTEN THE VIOLATION OF TRIBAL LAWS OR CODES. THE NAVAJO DO NOT TOUCH OBJECTS STRUCK BY LIGHTENING.
KINDLE'S PARENTS HIRED A MEDICINE MAN TO CONDUCT A LIGHTENING WAY CEREMONY TO REMOVE
LIGHTENING, POWER, AND CURE THE SORE. NAVAJOS USE PLANT MEDICINE TO MAKE MEDICINAL TEAS AND DIRECT APPLICATIONS TO HEAL. MANY INDIANS IN ARIZONA AND MEXICO MAKE A TEA FROM CREOSOTE BUSH TO HEAL SORE THROATS AND SKIN IRRITATIONS, EASTERN WOODLAND INDIANS USE SASSAFRAS TREE ROOTS TO CURE COLDS AND STOMACH ILLNESSES.
GERALD MCMASTER AND CLIFFORD TREFNER
IN PERU THE QUECHAN MEDICINE MEN LEARNED OF HIS DESTINY BY DREAM TRAVEL. BEFORE HIS BIRTH HE WOULD SOMETIMES STEAL OUT OF HIS MOM'S WOMB WHILE SHE WAS SLEEPING. AND HE WOULD TRAVEL TO A SACRED MOUNTAIN NOT FAR FROM THE PRESENT DAY NEEDLES, CA.
THE QUECHANS BELIEVED THAT THEIR MEDICINE MEN COULD SUCK OUT SICKNESS. THE EUROPEANS BROUGHT MANY SICKNESSES THAT THE INDIANS COULD NOT CURE.
INDIAN DOCTORS HAD SPECIAL POWERS TO LOCATE, DIAGNOSE, AND TO REMOVE ILLNESSES. THEY ORGANIZED THE POWER THROUGH THE SONGS, STORIES, PAINTINGS AND RITUAL ACTS.
THE NAVAJO ENJOY A RICH HISTORY OF CULTURE AND MEDICINE. NAVAJO CEREMONY REVOLVES AROUND MAKING A PERSON IN HARMONY AND WHOLE. THE CAUSE OF ILLNESS IS OFTEN THE VIOLATION OF TRIBAL LAWS OR CODES. THE NAVAJO DO NOT TOUCH OBJECTS STRUCK BY LIGHTENING.
KINDLE'S PARENTS HIRED A MEDICINE MAN TO CONDUCT A LIGHTENING WAY CEREMONY TO REMOVE
LIGHTENING, POWER, AND CURE THE SORE. NAVAJOS USE PLANT MEDICINE TO MAKE MEDICINAL TEAS AND DIRECT APPLICATIONS TO HEAL. MANY INDIANS IN ARIZONA AND MEXICO MAKE A TEA FROM CREOSOTE BUSH TO HEAL SORE THROATS AND SKIN IRRITATIONS, EASTERN WOODLAND INDIANS USE SASSAFRAS TREE ROOTS TO CURE COLDS AND STOMACH ILLNESSES.
GERALD MCMASTER AND CLIFFORD TREFNER
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
HUPA JUMP DANCE AND WHITE DEERSKIN CEREMONIES
HUPA JUMP DANCES ARE CEREMONIES THAT HELP THEIR COMMUNITY RENEW ITSELF EVERY TWO YEARS BY ENTREATING THE POWER OF THE SPIRITUAL WORLD. THEY LIVE ALONG THE TRINITY RIVER. THE JUMP DANCE WARDS OFF DISEASE AND DISASTER. THEIR CREATION MYTH SAYS A CLOUD CONTAINS SICKNESS AND DISEASE IN THE EASTERN SKY. CERTAIN SPIRITS INSTRUCTED OTHER SPIRITS TO HOLD A SPECIAL DANCE TO DEFEND AGAINST THE CLOUD. THEY NOTICED THAT WITH EACH SONG AND DANCE THAT THE CLOUD RECEDED. THEY DANCED FOR FIVE DAYS IN LENGTH AND THE COMMUNITYWAS SPARED OF PESTILENCE.
THE HUPA ADOPTED THE JUMP DANCE AS A MEANS OF FENDING OFF NEGATIVE POWER. IT IS A CEREMONY INVOLVES MEN, WOMEN, AND CHILDREN. IT PROTECTS THE COMMUNITY FOR YEARS TO COME. THE PEOPLE WATCH FOR A SIGN THAT THE SPIRITS APPROVED OF THE DANCE. IF RAIN COMES IT IS A SIGN OF EARTH RENEWAL AND CLEANSING.
THE REGALIA OF THE MEN IS A WHITE DEERSKIN HEAD DRESS AND LARGE BANDS OF RED WOODPECKER SCALPS AND DUCK FEATHERS. MEN WEAR DEER HIDES FOR SKIRTS, ABALONE NECKLACES.
WOMEN WEAR LEATHER DANCE DRESSES AND A SASH FROM THE LEFT SHOULDER MADE OF HUNDREDS OF BEAR GRASS SKIRTS, A COLORFUL SASH OVER THEIR SHOULDER MADE OF ACORN WOODPECKER SCALPS AND DENTALIUM SHELLS. THEY RAISE A BASKET OVER THEIR SHOULDERS AND STAMP A FOOT. WOMEN LIFT UP THEIR BODIES IN TWO MOTIONS TO THE BEAT OF A SONG AND RISE TO SING.
THE HUPA ADOPTED THE JUMP DANCE AS A MEANS OF FENDING OFF NEGATIVE POWER. IT IS A CEREMONY INVOLVES MEN, WOMEN, AND CHILDREN. IT PROTECTS THE COMMUNITY FOR YEARS TO COME. THE PEOPLE WATCH FOR A SIGN THAT THE SPIRITS APPROVED OF THE DANCE. IF RAIN COMES IT IS A SIGN OF EARTH RENEWAL AND CLEANSING.
THE REGALIA OF THE MEN IS A WHITE DEERSKIN HEAD DRESS AND LARGE BANDS OF RED WOODPECKER SCALPS AND DUCK FEATHERS. MEN WEAR DEER HIDES FOR SKIRTS, ABALONE NECKLACES.
WOMEN WEAR LEATHER DANCE DRESSES AND A SASH FROM THE LEFT SHOULDER MADE OF HUNDREDS OF BEAR GRASS SKIRTS, A COLORFUL SASH OVER THEIR SHOULDER MADE OF ACORN WOODPECKER SCALPS AND DENTALIUM SHELLS. THEY RAISE A BASKET OVER THEIR SHOULDERS AND STAMP A FOOT. WOMEN LIFT UP THEIR BODIES IN TWO MOTIONS TO THE BEAT OF A SONG AND RISE TO SING.
Monday, September 6, 2010
THE POMO WERE FORTUNATE INDIANS
THE POMO WERE SOME OF THE MOST FORTUNATE OF CALIFORNIA INDIANS ACCORDING TO TRUDY GRIFFIN PIERCE. THEY RESPONDED TO THE RHYTHMS OF THE EARTH AND THE BOUNTY OF THE LAND AROUND THEM. THE INDIANS FOUND ALL THEY NEEDED FROM THE LAND. THE MEN AND BOYS CLIMBED THE OAK TREES TO SHAKE THE NUTS LOOSE.
SOMETIMES THEY BUILT A CORRAL INTO WHICH THEY HERDED THE ANIMALS. IF THEY WERE TO BE SUCCESSFUL, ALL MEN HAD TO PREPARE THEMSELVES SPIRITUALLY BEFORE THE HUNT. IN FEBRUARY THE MEN USED TRAPS TO CATCH SUCKERS TO SPAWN. WATER FOUL AND FISH WERE A MAJOR SOURCE OF FOOD FROM NOVEMBER TO FEBRUARY. AT THE END OF FEBRUARY MEN USED CONICAL BASKET TRAPS TO CATCH SUCKERS WHICH GO UP THE CREEK TO SPAWN. MID MARCH THEY SPEARED PIKES IN THE STREAMS. HITCH AND CHAY SWAM UP TO THE CREEK AND WERE CAUGHT IN BASKET TRAPS. IN APRIL THE EASTERN POMO LEFT THE MAIN VILLAGE FOR FISH CAMPS.ON CLEAR LAKE.. THESE WERE USED FOR FISH TRAPS TO CATCH BLACKFISH AND CARP. THEY DRIED AND STORED THERE FISH. THE EASTERN POMO TRADED THEIR FISH FOR BEADS TO NORTH AND CENTRAL POMO.
WOMEN COLLECTED CLAMS AND TULE FROM MARSHES THAT SURROUNDED THE LAKE. FOOD WAS SERVED ON TULE MATS. SHREDDED TULE WAS USED FOR DIAPERS AND BEDDING. THEY ATE TENDER SHOOTS AND THE ROOTS OF TULE. IN JUNE THE CAMP WAS MOVED TO THE HILLS SO WOMEN DUG ROOTS.
IN JULY THE WOMEN CAME BACK TO THE MAIN VILLAGE WITH ROOTS, TULE, AND CLAMS. IN AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER THEY GATHERED PINOLE SEEDS AND TRAVELED TO THE COAST TO GET SALT AND MARINE ANIMALS ANS RESOURCES.
ONLY IN SUMMER AND AUTUMN DID THE POMO LIVE IN TEMPORARY BRUSH SHELTERS. COASTAL POMO LIVED IN TIPI LIKE SHELTERS 10 - 15' IN DIAMETER COVERED WITH REDWOOD.
THE ABUNDANCE OF RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO CALIFORNIA NATIVES MEANT THAT THEY DID NOT HAVE TO DEVELOP MANY ELABORATE WAYS TO GATHER OR HUNT. THEY HAD TIME TO DEVELOP WORLD WIDE FAMOUS BASKETS. THEY USED 30 DIFFERENT PLANT MATERIALS. SOME BASKETS WERE AS SMALL AS A THIMBLE. EVEN THE MEN PRODUCED CARRYING BASKETS. THEY WOVE FINE GIFT BASKETS THAT WERE USUALLY BLACK, RED, AND HAD A WIDE VARIETY OF DESIGNS. THE WOMEN KNEW 15 - 20 DIFFERENT DESIGNS AND THEY NAMED THE DESIGN ELEMENTS AND PATTERNS.
THE HUSBANDS HAD TO STAY INDOORS FOR A MONTH AND COULD NOT TRAVEL OR HUNT OR GAMBLE WHEN HIS WIFE GAVE BIRTH. IT IS CALLED THE COUVADE. IT IS A CUSTOM SHARED BY MANY CULTURES AROUND THE WORLD. IT IS TO ENSURE THE HEALTH OF THE CHILD AND MOTHER.
GIRLS WHO HAD STARTED THEIR MENSES PURIFIED THEMSELVES BY LYING ON A BED OF TULE PLACED OVER A BED OF TULES PLACED OVER A BED OF COALS, AND SHE WAS BATHED IN STEAM. HER FOOD WAS ACORN MUSH AND PINOLE.
BOYS AT 8 YEARS OLD WERE GIVEN A HAIRNET AND TOY BOWS AND ARROS. HE WAS BATHED IN ANGELICA ROOT WATER DURING A FEAST. THERE WAS NO PUBERTY RITUAL FOR BOYS. TEENS WERE GIVEN A CHOICE WHO THEY MARRIED, HOWEVER PARENTS HAD TO APPROVE.
WHEN SOMEONE DIED THE MEN AND WOMEN CUT THEIR HAIR AND MOURNED IN MANY WAYS. THEY PRACTICED CREMATION UNTIL ABOUT THE 1880'S WHEN THE ANGLOS DECIDED TO PRESSURE THEM TO STOPTHIS CUSTOM.
THE POMO BELIEVED THAT THEIR IULLNESS WAS FROM SOME KIND OF POISONING.
THE NORTHERNMOST TRIBES HELD WORLD RENEWAL CEREMONIES EVERY YEAR.. THESE RITUALS WERE HELD TO FIRM UP OR CAUSE GOOD FORTUNE TO THE EARTH, AND THEY SHARED A SIMILAR PURPOSE. A SPECIAL MAN TRAVELED TO A MEMBER OF SACRED LOCATIONS WHERE HE CARRIED OUT RITES TO ENSURE NATURE'S RENEWAL. A SECOND RITUAL WAS MORE SOCIAL AND CALLED A JUMPING DANCE WHERE THEY USED WHITE DEERSKINS FOR DANCING.
SOMETIMES THEY BUILT A CORRAL INTO WHICH THEY HERDED THE ANIMALS. IF THEY WERE TO BE SUCCESSFUL, ALL MEN HAD TO PREPARE THEMSELVES SPIRITUALLY BEFORE THE HUNT. IN FEBRUARY THE MEN USED TRAPS TO CATCH SUCKERS TO SPAWN. WATER FOUL AND FISH WERE A MAJOR SOURCE OF FOOD FROM NOVEMBER TO FEBRUARY. AT THE END OF FEBRUARY MEN USED CONICAL BASKET TRAPS TO CATCH SUCKERS WHICH GO UP THE CREEK TO SPAWN. MID MARCH THEY SPEARED PIKES IN THE STREAMS. HITCH AND CHAY SWAM UP TO THE CREEK AND WERE CAUGHT IN BASKET TRAPS. IN APRIL THE EASTERN POMO LEFT THE MAIN VILLAGE FOR FISH CAMPS.ON CLEAR LAKE.. THESE WERE USED FOR FISH TRAPS TO CATCH BLACKFISH AND CARP. THEY DRIED AND STORED THERE FISH. THE EASTERN POMO TRADED THEIR FISH FOR BEADS TO NORTH AND CENTRAL POMO.
WOMEN COLLECTED CLAMS AND TULE FROM MARSHES THAT SURROUNDED THE LAKE. FOOD WAS SERVED ON TULE MATS. SHREDDED TULE WAS USED FOR DIAPERS AND BEDDING. THEY ATE TENDER SHOOTS AND THE ROOTS OF TULE. IN JUNE THE CAMP WAS MOVED TO THE HILLS SO WOMEN DUG ROOTS.
IN JULY THE WOMEN CAME BACK TO THE MAIN VILLAGE WITH ROOTS, TULE, AND CLAMS. IN AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER THEY GATHERED PINOLE SEEDS AND TRAVELED TO THE COAST TO GET SALT AND MARINE ANIMALS ANS RESOURCES.
ONLY IN SUMMER AND AUTUMN DID THE POMO LIVE IN TEMPORARY BRUSH SHELTERS. COASTAL POMO LIVED IN TIPI LIKE SHELTERS 10 - 15' IN DIAMETER COVERED WITH REDWOOD.
THE ABUNDANCE OF RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO CALIFORNIA NATIVES MEANT THAT THEY DID NOT HAVE TO DEVELOP MANY ELABORATE WAYS TO GATHER OR HUNT. THEY HAD TIME TO DEVELOP WORLD WIDE FAMOUS BASKETS. THEY USED 30 DIFFERENT PLANT MATERIALS. SOME BASKETS WERE AS SMALL AS A THIMBLE. EVEN THE MEN PRODUCED CARRYING BASKETS. THEY WOVE FINE GIFT BASKETS THAT WERE USUALLY BLACK, RED, AND HAD A WIDE VARIETY OF DESIGNS. THE WOMEN KNEW 15 - 20 DIFFERENT DESIGNS AND THEY NAMED THE DESIGN ELEMENTS AND PATTERNS.
THE HUSBANDS HAD TO STAY INDOORS FOR A MONTH AND COULD NOT TRAVEL OR HUNT OR GAMBLE WHEN HIS WIFE GAVE BIRTH. IT IS CALLED THE COUVADE. IT IS A CUSTOM SHARED BY MANY CULTURES AROUND THE WORLD. IT IS TO ENSURE THE HEALTH OF THE CHILD AND MOTHER.
GIRLS WHO HAD STARTED THEIR MENSES PURIFIED THEMSELVES BY LYING ON A BED OF TULE PLACED OVER A BED OF TULES PLACED OVER A BED OF COALS, AND SHE WAS BATHED IN STEAM. HER FOOD WAS ACORN MUSH AND PINOLE.
BOYS AT 8 YEARS OLD WERE GIVEN A HAIRNET AND TOY BOWS AND ARROS. HE WAS BATHED IN ANGELICA ROOT WATER DURING A FEAST. THERE WAS NO PUBERTY RITUAL FOR BOYS. TEENS WERE GIVEN A CHOICE WHO THEY MARRIED, HOWEVER PARENTS HAD TO APPROVE.
WHEN SOMEONE DIED THE MEN AND WOMEN CUT THEIR HAIR AND MOURNED IN MANY WAYS. THEY PRACTICED CREMATION UNTIL ABOUT THE 1880'S WHEN THE ANGLOS DECIDED TO PRESSURE THEM TO STOPTHIS CUSTOM.
THE POMO BELIEVED THAT THEIR IULLNESS WAS FROM SOME KIND OF POISONING.
THE NORTHERNMOST TRIBES HELD WORLD RENEWAL CEREMONIES EVERY YEAR.. THESE RITUALS WERE HELD TO FIRM UP OR CAUSE GOOD FORTUNE TO THE EARTH, AND THEY SHARED A SIMILAR PURPOSE. A SPECIAL MAN TRAVELED TO A MEMBER OF SACRED LOCATIONS WHERE HE CARRIED OUT RITES TO ENSURE NATURE'S RENEWAL. A SECOND RITUAL WAS MORE SOCIAL AND CALLED A JUMPING DANCE WHERE THEY USED WHITE DEERSKINS FOR DANCING.
Sunday, September 5, 2010
SANTA ROSA CHRISTIAN CHURCH
TODAY I WENT TO A NEW CHURCH ON PACIFIC AVENUE IN SANTA ROSA CALLED THE CHRISTIAN CHURCH. THEY HAD A BAND PLAYING CHRISTIAN MUSIC. I CRIED AS I HEARD SOME SOULFUL MUSIC. I SANG THE TUNES THEY HAD PLAYED AND DISPLAYED ON THE MAIN BOARD. THE SERVICE WAS ABOUT LAUGHING AT YOUR LIGHTER SIDE AND STAYING WITH YOUNGER KIDS WHO HAVE A NEW PERSPECTIVE ON WHAT WE OLDER FOLKS ARE THINKING AND DOING.
THE SERVICE WAS ABOUT HAVING YOUNG CHILDREN IN YOUR LIFE AND KEEPING FREE OF THE NEGATIVES. WE ENJOYED THE SINGING PART AND I HAD NEVER BEEN IN THIS CHURCH BEFORE. I SAW MANY BABIES IN CHURCH. I HAD INTENDED TO GO TO ANOTHER CHURCH BUT IT WAS NOT OPEN TODAY.
THE SERVICE WAS ABOUT HAVING YOUNG CHILDREN IN YOUR LIFE AND KEEPING FREE OF THE NEGATIVES. WE ENJOYED THE SINGING PART AND I HAD NEVER BEEN IN THIS CHURCH BEFORE. I SAW MANY BABIES IN CHURCH. I HAD INTENDED TO GO TO ANOTHER CHURCH BUT IT WAS NOT OPEN TODAY.
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
THE NORTHWEST COAST INDIANS
THE TRIBES OF THE NORTH COAST INDIANS SPOKE ABOUT 35 LANGUAGES AND THEY HAD PLENTY TO EAT AS THEY HAD PLENTY OF FISH FROM THE OCEANS AND THEY HAD PLENTY OF GAME ANIMALS. THEY HONORED THE SPIRIT OF THE SALMON BY PERFORMING A RITUAL OF THANKSGIVING OVER THE FIRST SALMON CAUGHT IN THE SPRING. THIS FISH WAS CONSIDERED TO BE THE LEADER OF THE SALMON MEN. A HOLY MAN WHO KNEW THE PRAYERS RESPECTFULLY CARRIED THE SALMON TO THE ALTAR WHERE HE SPRINKLED IT WITH RED OCHRE OR EAGLE DOWN. AFTER THE FISH HAD BEEN COOKED EVERYONE TASTED OF THIS FIRST HONORED SALMON. ONLY AFTER THE SALMON HAD BEEN TREATED TO A CEREMONY OF REVERENCE COULD THE FISHING BEGIN.
THE NOOTKA OF VANCOUVER ISLAND MADE A CEREMONIAL MASK OF RED CEDAR DEPICTING SEVEN SALMON TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE SUPERHUMAN POWER THAT BROUGHT THE SALMON TO THE NOOTKA. SOME MEN CAUGHT HALIBUT WHICH COULD WEIGH 200 POUNDS OR MORE AS THEY PULLED IT ALONG THE SIDE OF A CANOE AND CLUBBED IT. THEY ALSO CAUGHT AN ARRAY OF FISH INCLUDING SMELT, CANDLEFISH, HERRING, AND EUCLACHON. THEY BUILT WEIRS FOR CATCHING SALMON, AND OTHER FISH. THE WEIR WAS A WOODEN FENCE THAT SPANNED THE RIVER. ONCE THE FISH WERE IN THE WEIR, THEY USED A 16FOOT HARPOON TO SPEAR THE FISH.THEY ALSO MADE NETS TO CATCH THE FISH. THEY MADE CANOES FROM CEDAR AND SAILED THE SEA TO CATCH HALIBUT, COD, SEA OTTERS, SEALS, AND WHALES!
THEY CAUGHT DEER, ELK, MOUNTAIN GOAT, MARTEN, BEAVER AND EDIBLE PLANTS. THEY USED THE CEDAR TREES FOR CANOES, HOUSING, WEAPONS, TOOLS, CONTAINERS AND TOTEM POLES, AS WELL AS MASKS. THEY MADE BASKETS, CLOTHING, AND ROPES FROM THE BARK.
THE NOOTKA OF VANCOUVER ISLAND USED THEIR CANOES ON THE SEA TO HUNT GRAY WHALES, RIGHT WHALES, AND HUMPBACK WHALES. THE WHALER WAS A CHIEF WHO PREPARED HIMSELF SPIRITUALLY FOR MONTHS TO ENSURE SUCCESS.
MANY OF THE HOUSES WERE BUILT PARTIALLY UNDERGROUND. SOME FAMILIES LIVED IN APARTMENTS ARRANGED ON THE OUTSKIRTS OF THE VILLAGE. SOMETIMES A SINGLE HOUSE CONTAINED A VILLAGE.
THE TOTEM POLES WERE PLACED OUTSIDE OF A HOUSE AS WAY TO HONOR SPECIAL CLANS AND TO FOLLOW WAYS TO HELP SPIRITS RELATED TO THE GUARDIAN SPIRIT OF THE CLAN.THEY INCLUDED ANIMALS, FISH, BIRDS AND HEAVENLY BODIES. TOTEMS WERE MORE THAN EMBLEMS. THEY WERE SPIRITUAL GUIDES.
TLINGIT MOTHERS HONORED THEIR CLAN ANCESTORS SO PROFOUNDLY THAT THEY NAMED THEIR CHILDREN AFTER THEM SO THAT THE SPIRIT OF THE DECEASED WAS REBORN IN THE CHILD THROUGH THE NAME. A PREGNANT WOMAN SPENT TEN DAYS IN A SPECIAL SHELTER AFTER GIVING BIRTH. A 10 YEAR OLD BOY LIVED WITH HIS MOTHER'S BROTHER AND HE TAUGHT HIM DISCIPLINE. HE WAS TAUGHT HOW TO CHOP WOOD AND HIS TRIBAL HISTORY AND HUNTING RITUALS. THE BOY WOULD INHERIT HIS UNCLE'S HOUSE.
GIRLS HAD THEIR OWN LESSONS TO LEARN. THE MOST IMPORTANT EVENT OF A GIRL'S LIFE WAS THE ONSET OF MENSTRUATION. SHE WENT TO A HUT AND FASTED FOR SEVERAL DAYS. SHE LEARNED CLAN TRADITIONS FROM HER FATHER'S SISTER, HER MOM, OR GRANDMOTHER. SHE ALSO MADE BASKETS. WHEN SHE REJOINED THE VILLAGE SHE HAD A BATH FROM HER RELATIVES WITH NEW CLOTHES, AND PIERCED HER LIP. THERE WAS A POTLATCH CEREMONY FROM HER FATHER'S SISTERS. AND SHE WAS PRESENTED AS READY FOR MARRIAGE. THEY HAD TO MARRY A PERSON FROM A DIFFERENT CLAN.
FAMILIES ARRANGED MARRIAGES TO STRENGTHEN CLAN RELATIONSHIPS AND TO BRING GREATER WEALTH TO THEIR FAMILIES. GIFT GIVING AND A SHOW OF WEALTH WAS A BIG PART OF MARRIAGE.
MANY NATIVE SOCIETIES BELIEVED THAT THE DEAD SHOULD NOT LEAVE THROUGH THE SAME DOOR THAT THE LIVING HAD USED. THEY WERE CREMATED. THEY USED THEIR DREAMS AND VISIONS TO PRODUCE ELABORATE CEREMONIAL MASKS FOR TELLING STORIES.
A MASK MAKER TALKED TO THE MASK AS HE MADE IT AND INCLUDED IMAGES THAT WERE POWERFUL BECAUSE OF THE FORCES. THEY REPRESENTED.
THE SHAMAN REPRESENTED AN IMPORTANT PERSON WHO HAD GREAT RESPECT AND COULD CURE, INFLUENCE WEATHER, AND ASSURED THE ABUNDANT SALMON HARVEST. THEY ALSO PREDICTED THE FUTURE AND BROUGHT VICTORY TO WAR. THEY HEALED PEOPLE AND INTERCEDED WITH SPIRITS ON BEHALF OF HIS OR HER PATIENT.
POTLATCH IS A CHINOOK WORD MEANING TO GIVE. IT WAS A MASSIVE FEAST GIVEN BY THE HOUSE OF ONE CLAN TO HONOR ANOTHER CLAN. SHARING FOOD AND GIFT GIVING GAVE EVERYONE TIME TO HAVE A SENSE OF BELONGING.
TRUDY GRIFFIN
♥
THE NOOTKA OF VANCOUVER ISLAND MADE A CEREMONIAL MASK OF RED CEDAR DEPICTING SEVEN SALMON TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE SUPERHUMAN POWER THAT BROUGHT THE SALMON TO THE NOOTKA. SOME MEN CAUGHT HALIBUT WHICH COULD WEIGH 200 POUNDS OR MORE AS THEY PULLED IT ALONG THE SIDE OF A CANOE AND CLUBBED IT. THEY ALSO CAUGHT AN ARRAY OF FISH INCLUDING SMELT, CANDLEFISH, HERRING, AND EUCLACHON. THEY BUILT WEIRS FOR CATCHING SALMON, AND OTHER FISH. THE WEIR WAS A WOODEN FENCE THAT SPANNED THE RIVER. ONCE THE FISH WERE IN THE WEIR, THEY USED A 16FOOT HARPOON TO SPEAR THE FISH.THEY ALSO MADE NETS TO CATCH THE FISH. THEY MADE CANOES FROM CEDAR AND SAILED THE SEA TO CATCH HALIBUT, COD, SEA OTTERS, SEALS, AND WHALES!
THEY CAUGHT DEER, ELK, MOUNTAIN GOAT, MARTEN, BEAVER AND EDIBLE PLANTS. THEY USED THE CEDAR TREES FOR CANOES, HOUSING, WEAPONS, TOOLS, CONTAINERS AND TOTEM POLES, AS WELL AS MASKS. THEY MADE BASKETS, CLOTHING, AND ROPES FROM THE BARK.
THE NOOTKA OF VANCOUVER ISLAND USED THEIR CANOES ON THE SEA TO HUNT GRAY WHALES, RIGHT WHALES, AND HUMPBACK WHALES. THE WHALER WAS A CHIEF WHO PREPARED HIMSELF SPIRITUALLY FOR MONTHS TO ENSURE SUCCESS.
MANY OF THE HOUSES WERE BUILT PARTIALLY UNDERGROUND. SOME FAMILIES LIVED IN APARTMENTS ARRANGED ON THE OUTSKIRTS OF THE VILLAGE. SOMETIMES A SINGLE HOUSE CONTAINED A VILLAGE.
THE TOTEM POLES WERE PLACED OUTSIDE OF A HOUSE AS WAY TO HONOR SPECIAL CLANS AND TO FOLLOW WAYS TO HELP SPIRITS RELATED TO THE GUARDIAN SPIRIT OF THE CLAN.THEY INCLUDED ANIMALS, FISH, BIRDS AND HEAVENLY BODIES. TOTEMS WERE MORE THAN EMBLEMS. THEY WERE SPIRITUAL GUIDES.
TLINGIT MOTHERS HONORED THEIR CLAN ANCESTORS SO PROFOUNDLY THAT THEY NAMED THEIR CHILDREN AFTER THEM SO THAT THE SPIRIT OF THE DECEASED WAS REBORN IN THE CHILD THROUGH THE NAME. A PREGNANT WOMAN SPENT TEN DAYS IN A SPECIAL SHELTER AFTER GIVING BIRTH. A 10 YEAR OLD BOY LIVED WITH HIS MOTHER'S BROTHER AND HE TAUGHT HIM DISCIPLINE. HE WAS TAUGHT HOW TO CHOP WOOD AND HIS TRIBAL HISTORY AND HUNTING RITUALS. THE BOY WOULD INHERIT HIS UNCLE'S HOUSE.
GIRLS HAD THEIR OWN LESSONS TO LEARN. THE MOST IMPORTANT EVENT OF A GIRL'S LIFE WAS THE ONSET OF MENSTRUATION. SHE WENT TO A HUT AND FASTED FOR SEVERAL DAYS. SHE LEARNED CLAN TRADITIONS FROM HER FATHER'S SISTER, HER MOM, OR GRANDMOTHER. SHE ALSO MADE BASKETS. WHEN SHE REJOINED THE VILLAGE SHE HAD A BATH FROM HER RELATIVES WITH NEW CLOTHES, AND PIERCED HER LIP. THERE WAS A POTLATCH CEREMONY FROM HER FATHER'S SISTERS. AND SHE WAS PRESENTED AS READY FOR MARRIAGE. THEY HAD TO MARRY A PERSON FROM A DIFFERENT CLAN.
FAMILIES ARRANGED MARRIAGES TO STRENGTHEN CLAN RELATIONSHIPS AND TO BRING GREATER WEALTH TO THEIR FAMILIES. GIFT GIVING AND A SHOW OF WEALTH WAS A BIG PART OF MARRIAGE.
MANY NATIVE SOCIETIES BELIEVED THAT THE DEAD SHOULD NOT LEAVE THROUGH THE SAME DOOR THAT THE LIVING HAD USED. THEY WERE CREMATED. THEY USED THEIR DREAMS AND VISIONS TO PRODUCE ELABORATE CEREMONIAL MASKS FOR TELLING STORIES.
A MASK MAKER TALKED TO THE MASK AS HE MADE IT AND INCLUDED IMAGES THAT WERE POWERFUL BECAUSE OF THE FORCES. THEY REPRESENTED.
THE SHAMAN REPRESENTED AN IMPORTANT PERSON WHO HAD GREAT RESPECT AND COULD CURE, INFLUENCE WEATHER, AND ASSURED THE ABUNDANT SALMON HARVEST. THEY ALSO PREDICTED THE FUTURE AND BROUGHT VICTORY TO WAR. THEY HEALED PEOPLE AND INTERCEDED WITH SPIRITS ON BEHALF OF HIS OR HER PATIENT.
POTLATCH IS A CHINOOK WORD MEANING TO GIVE. IT WAS A MASSIVE FEAST GIVEN BY THE HOUSE OF ONE CLAN TO HONOR ANOTHER CLAN. SHARING FOOD AND GIFT GIVING GAVE EVERYONE TIME TO HAVE A SENSE OF BELONGING.
TRUDY GRIFFIN
♥
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