For many years I have collected Native American Storyteller Dolls. Most of them are small, and some are expensive, while others were picked up in airports in the Southwest. To me, they represent my role in society. The teller of stories to the children, the keeper of the tribal history.
Then I learned about the Koshare (the jester or trickster); the black and white striped clowns of the Pueblo whose antics at festivals and holy days teach the tribe about manners, customs, and sometimes illuminate where the tribe is falling short.
Finally, I always felt my totem (spirit animal) was the turtle, who is noted for long life, wisdom, peace, determination and serenity (goals I strive for, not that I have necessarily attained).
When I happened upon a piece of Native American pottery that embodied all of these symbols, I couldn’t resist buying it, and this has become the logo that most represents me.
Behold, the Storyteller, Koshare, Turtle!
Photo printed with the permission of artist, Randy Chitto (www.randychitto.com)
