There IS a theme here - I know you see it - you catch on fast, you Picaroons. Harvest Moon, an Ambassador of Coast Salish Culture, enthralled us all with her infectious smile and captivating storytelling today at the Renton Historical Museum. After 22 years of perfecting her craft, this member of the Quinault tribe shared personal stories (her brother's childhood name was "poopsie") and tribal legends (the "Why It Rains So Much Here" is popular with travelers to the Rain Forest who complain when it's too wet for them). Wearing a beautiful, handwoven storyteller's hat and shaking her talking stick for effect, Harvest Moon imparted knowledge of local tribal lore and made us all laugh more than a few times.
Harvest Moon was named after the time of year she was born and the lunar cycle. She reminded us that while cedar bark is very important for the intricate weaving she does, and is represented in red on the button blankets worn (also representing salmon, another vital for tribal life),but that cedar is actually,well, rather nasty tasting, so that is Not what is used for smoking salmon or for cooking vessels. She also taught us some vital jargon - nikki tikki tum tum - means "may I have something to eat?" and is best accompanied by a rubbing and patting of the stomach area. Who doesn't need to know that, I ask you?
Harvest Moon is currently working on a CD,yet to be released, entitled"Wisdom Weaving Songs and Legends. She is currently in the LongHouse at the Historical Museum in Tacoma until the end of November on Thursdays and Fridays, 10-12:30 and on one Saturday, November 22. The Renton Historical Museum, through the auspices of the Humanities Inquiring Minds Program, hopes to have Harvest Moon back soon. Don't miss her - the family will ALL enjoy.
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