15 minute read
West by Southwest Ernie Bulow
GRAMPA, TELL ME A STORY
BUT DON’T FORGET THE POPCORN
THIS SINGING MOTHER, CREATED BY AMACIO CORDERO-COCHITI, LOOKS LIKE AN EARLY TWENTIETH CENTURY PIECE.
THIS CLOTH DOLL IS THE NAVAJO VERSION OF THE STORYTELLER. Until quite recently, at least for the Zunis and Navajos, the oral tradition was the only way to pass on knowledge; history, folktales, taboos, religion, and traditions. Sadly, the elders of the current population no longer gather the family around the kitchen table for an evening several times a month, and many don’t even know the traditional lore themselves.
For cultures with no written record, this is a tragedy.
Television and cell phones can’t take all the blame. In just the last generation, automobiles, telephones, and single-family dwellings are also to blame. It would be doubly heart breaking to believe that people have simply lost interest in their history and lore. Human effigies are quite rare in prehistoric Native cultures, and the same is true up until a few years before the turn of the last century. The railroads produced a huge jump in tourists and curious Anglo Americans with
THIS COCHITI FIGURE, money to spend.
DATED 1875-1880, IS Ironically, it was the CALLED A STORYTELLER. tourist business that created a demand for pottery in general, and human portrayals in particular.
Pottery depicting people is pretty much restricted to the Pueblo of Cochiti, and the earliest examples clearly showed a resentment of Europeans. The figures are distorted in a number of ways, being fat, ugly, out of proportion, and sporting various kinds of odd facial hair. They always have open mouths.
Admittedly there is also the element of humor in these pieces: Natives are often seen by Anglos as childish and simple-minded, when in reality they were making fun of Anglos who paid money to take home and enjoy these caricatures.
They have been called “mocking,” often “comical” or “humorous;” “satirical” is probably the best, but that only works if the buyer doesn’t realize he’s the point of the satire. The artists got around that problem by using circus freaks, cowboys, ministers, or ethnic exaggeration, usually of Hispanics. The caricature form has been revived—with a vengeance—by Cochiti potter Virgil Ortiz, pushing folk art into fine art.
As with most Tribal art, the origin of the storyteller figure has as many configurations as there are people who write about them. A seated figure with a huge
HELEN CORDERO-SUPPOSED FIRST STORYTELLER
THIS FIGURE PUSHES THE LIMITS—TRY TO COUNT THE BABIES.
Ernie’s Selfie
West by Southwest
by Ernie Bulow
ZUNI BEADER CLAUDIA CELLICION MADE STORYTELLER KOSHARES, ASSOCIATED WITH WATERMELON EATING.
ANY ANIMAL CAN BE USED AS A STORYTELLER LIKE THESE FROGS BY CAROL LUCERO-GACHUPIN. THE TONGUE IS A NICE TOUCH.
CHRIS WAATSA WITH HIS STORYTELLER DOLL open mouth was labeled by a dealer as a “storyteller.” It is dated 1880. Another expert claims those early open-mouthed dolls should be called “opera singers,” which leads naturally to calling them just singers, and then “singing mothers;” though there is no real distinction between the latter and storytellers.
It is a fact that hollow pottery cannot be fired without an opening somewhere to let out expanding air. Look at any hollow ceramic piece and there will be a small hole in the bottom, or the back, or otherwise worked into the design. The easiest, or at least the most obvious, place to have a vent on a figurative piece without spoiling the look is an open mouth. So much for opera singers.
Barbara Babcock, author of the first extensive book on storytellers, said, “When Helen Cordero began making clay persons in the late 1950s…” which conflicts with the accepted date of 1964 (or 1965), unless a singing woman with two children in her arms is materially different that one with more. How many children does it take to make a legitimate storyteller?
I am also curious why the female version is always called a mother, while the male style is always labeled as grandfather.
But most troubling of all is the claim that it was Santa Fe collector Alexander Girard who asked Helen to make one with more babies. Many more. What would Native artists do without white people to give them ideas for their creations? It is a common enough tale. She was allowed to assert her creativity by changing the woman to a man.
Enough petty squabbling. Once the Cochiti women started doing the storytellers the concept spread, though the figures have remained largely with a few Rio Grande Pueblos. Hopis have at least tried them. The most interesting development comes from Zuni. A few beaders have created storytellers of great charm, though making complex figures from tiny beads is intensely
HELEN CORDERO WORKING ON A NOVEL PIECE—CHILDREN INTERACTING WITH ONE ANOTHER
time consuming and somewhat challenging. Claudia Cellicion is probably the best known of the Zunis, but her husband, Todd Poncho, is still carrying on the tradition along with her daughter, Holly Booqua.
One of the delightful things about art is the endless variety, the richness of the creative process. Most Native artists try to make any genre they tackle their own, while still tying it to tradition. The storytellers of recent years illustrate this well, from a storyteller with nearly a hundred children to pieces featuring animals. So far, I have found obvious things like bears, but there are also frogs, bobcats, and a whole zoo of critters.
A few years ago, I found a katsina doll storyteller by Zuni Garret Ohmsattie, who apparently lived most of his life in one of the other Pueblos. Just a few years ago, prizewinning doll carver Chris Waatsa, Jr. set out to create what we think is the first truly Zuni figure with each katsina different from the rest.
Collectors keep on collecting, with little regard for words or expert opinion. These creations should be allowed to tell their own story.
- ernie@buffalomedicine.com
Happy New Year! 2019 Play Music!
Sale on all student instruments
201 E Hwy 66, Gallup, NM • 9am-7pm Monday through Friday and 8am-4pm on Saturday • For More Information Contact: James Eby, Director, Gallup Cultural Center at 505-863-4131 or at directorgcc@gmail.com
January is National Mentoring Month
Many of us remember someone special: a neighbor, teacher, relative, or friend who broadened our horizons and brought a little magic into our lives. So what better way to start a new year than to return the favor by mentoring a young person?
January is National Mentoring Month, as well as the month to make New Year’s resolutions. This year, if you become a mentor, it may be the one resolution you will want to keep. Just a few hours a couple of times a month can make a big difference in a child’s life and be a rewarding experience.
Big Brothers Big Sisters matches young people (ages 5 to 15) with caring, supportive volunteers (18 and over) who can encourage, guide, talk to, and spend time with them 2 to 4 times a month. Volunteers and youth are matched together based on similar interests and hobbies and can-do activities such as hiking, sports, arts and crafts, reading and camping.
When you become a mentor, you are not just a volunteer, but you are making an investment in a child’s life, one that will change their life for the better, forever.
The impact of mentoring is far greater than just providing a child with something to do. By being a consistent adult presence in a young person’s life, mentors can offer advice, share their life experiences, and help a young person navigate challenges.
Youth most in need of a mentor may have a difficult home life, have experienced trauma, or may feel that they don’t fit in.
A mentor can be a positive influence and uplift the spirits of a young person.
Did you know that having a mentor significantly lowers at-risk behavior? Youth who meet regularly with their mentors are 46% less likely than their peers to start using illegal drugs and 27% less likely to start drinking. (Public/ Private Ventures study of Big Brothers Big Sisters.)
Did you also know that students with a mentor are 52% less likely than their peers to skip a day of class? Being a mentor makes a difference in how a youth thinks about school and also makes a difference in the life of their teacher! You can be the reason your mentee’s grades improves!
Lastly, did you know that as a mentor, you can make an impact on the economic future of a young person? Mentoring engages youth in school and exposes them to skills needed to enter college and the workforce. Their chances of success in life and their contribution to society can significantly improve because of you and the role you play as a mentor. A study conducted by Harris Interactive of our Adult Little Brothers/Sisters (alumni) found: 77% did better in school because of their Big and 65% said their Big helped them reach a higher level of education than they thought possible.
As part of National Mentoring Month, Big Brothers Big Sisters Mountain Region is encouraging community members to make a difference in a young person’s life by becoming a mentor. As Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’”
Here are a few specific days to celebrate during National Mentoring Month: January 12: I Am a Mentor Day
A day for volunteer mentors to celebrate their role and reflect on the ways mentees have enhanced their world.
January 16: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service
A day to share in the inspirational words of MLK, Jr. and elevate the spirit of service through volunteerism
January 17: International Mentoring Day
A day of international conversations on social media where photos, video, and powerful mentoring stories are shared through messages.
January 19: #ThankYourMentor Day
A day for all who have real life mentoring experiences to thank those who helped them achieve their full potential.
The best way to thank a mentor you had in your youth is to pay it forward! Become a mentor today!!!
Big Brothers Big Sisters currently has over 20 youth on their waiting list. Please help us match those youth with mentors.
For more information or to get involved as a mentor, please contact: Sarah Piano Phone: 505-726-4285 E-mail: sarah.piano@ bbbsmountainregion.org Website: www.bbbsmountainregion.org Office: 100 East Aztec Ave.
Yavon (big) and Vanessa (little): Matched for 6 ½ years!
Michael (big) and JD (little): Matched a little over 1 year.
We Never Left, Painting by Clint Holtsol, 36”x 48”, Oil on Canvas
Water Hole, Photo by Aggie Mitchell
Sandhill Cranes, Bosque Del Apache, Photo by Daniel Ensign
We did not fly but we had a blast and we shopped… Thank you to our sponsors and volunteers!
Red Rock Balloon Rally Sponsors - 2018
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Be Prepared for Winter
Winter Storms and Extreme Cold
Heavy snowfall and extreme cold can immobilize an entire region. Even areas that normally experience mild winters, like New Mexico, can be hit with a major snowstorm or extreme cold.
Know Your Winter Storm and Extreme Cold Terms
Freezing Rain
Rain that freezes when it hits the ground creates a coating of ice on roads, walkways, trees, and power lines.
Sleet
Rain that turns to ice pellets before reaching the ground.
Sleet also causes moisture on roads to freeze and become slippery.
Winter Storm Watch
A winter storm is possible in your area. Tune in to NOAA
Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for more information.
Winter Storm Warning
A winter storm is occurring or will soon occur in your area.
Blizzard Warning
Sustained winds or frequent gusts to 35 miles per hour or greater and considerable amounts of falling or blowing snow (reducing visibility to less than a quarter mile) are expected to prevail for a period of three hours or longer.
Frost/Freeze Warning
Below freezing temperatures are expected.
Prepare Your Home and Family for Winter Storms
Winterize your home, barn, shed or any other structure that may provide shelter for your family, neighbors, livestock, or equipment. Insulating walls and attics, caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic will extend the life of your fuel supply. Clear rain gutters, repair roof leaks, and cut away tree branches that could fall on a house or other structure during a storm. Insulate pipes with insulation or newspapers and plastic and allow faucets to drip a little during cold weather to avoid freezing. Prepare for possible isolation in your home by having sufficient heating fuel; regular fuel sources may be cut off. For example, store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove. Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and make sure everyone in your house knows how to use them. House fires pose an additional risk, as more people turn to alternate heating sources without taking the necessary safety precautions. Learn how to shut off water valves (in case a pipe bursts). Hire a contractor or ask a relative to check the structural ability of the roof to sustain unusually heavy weight from the accumulation of snow - or water, if drains on flat roofs do not work.
Guidelines During a Winter Storm
If You are outdoors
Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow.
Overexertion can bring on a heart attack—a major cause of death in the winter. If you must shovel snow, stretch before going outside.
Cover your mouth. Protect your lungs from extremely cold air by covering your mouth when outdoors. Try not to speak unless absolutely necessary.
Keep dry. Change wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat. Wet clothing loses all of its insulating value and transmits heat rapidly.
Watch for signs of frostbite. These include loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, and the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately.
Watch for signs of hypothermia. These include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness, and apparent exhaustion.
If You MUST use your car
Drive only if it is absolutely necessary. Travel in the day, don’t travel alone, and keep others informed of your schedule. Stay on main roads; avoid back road shortcuts.
If a blizzard traps you in the car
Pull off the highway. Turn on hazard lights and hang a distress flag from the radio antenna or window. Remain in your vehicle where rescuers are most likely to find you. Run the engine and heater about 10 minutes each hour to keep warm. When the engine is running, open a downwind window slightly for ventilation and periodically clear snow from the exhaust pipe. Exercise to maintain body heat, but avoid overexertion. In extreme cold, use road maps, seat covers, and floor mats for insulation. Huddle with passengers and use your coat for a blanket. Take turns sleeping. One person should be awake at all times to look for rescue crews. Drink fluids to avoid dehydration. Be careful not to waste battery power. Balance electrical energy needs - the use of lights, heat, and radio - with supply. Turn on the inside light at night so work crews or rescuers can see you.
More information available at Health Education Program/Division of Public Health Services Gallup Service Area 516 E. Nizhoni Blvd., Gallup, NM 87301 Phone: 505-722-1741 • Fax: 505-722-1189 Like Us on Facebook
Citations: Winter Storms and Extreme Cold: Preparedness Guide - New Mexico. Retrieved from www.nmdhsem.org/Preparedness_ Guide.aspx
