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Songs of Ancient Journeys: Animals in Rock Art Elk, bighorn sheep, turtle, man . . . can you see them all? Long ago, Native Americans made intriguing images and signs--including many images of animals--on boulders and canyon walls all over the Southwest. What might the mountain lion, lizard, or rabbit say to us today? Or the turtle, dog, or bear? In these poems, they sing about moving through their lives . . . their ancient journeys. At the same time, by appealing to us today, they can move into our lives. Child-friendly, but for all ages, the poems are illustrated by photos of actual animal images by professional photographers. In addition, for each poem a note discusses possible meanings of the images, and the way the real-life animal leaps, slithers, trots--or however it gets around. The book thus combines poetry, Native American beliefs, and nature study into a new way of looking at that ever-fascinating treasure of the American Southwest: rock art. Some questions to think about. . . . If you were a cat, a goldfish, or some other familiar animal, what kind of song would you sing as you move about your daily business? Which of the "song animals'" ways of moving appeals to you most? Would you like to run really fast, or perhaps move noiselessly? Or do you think humans' abilities are just about right? Imagine yourself living in a society with no written language. Can you think of three or four signs to suggest "going somewhere"? Do you think it's appropriate for people of one society (such as ours) to try to explain another society's culture? |
