Saturday, May 30, 2015

FIGURATIVE EXPRESSIONISM/ A Drawing by Eric Whollem/ 'Initiation in the Dream Lodge of the Nectar of the Saltim'/ CONCOW MAIDU AND THE KUKSU RELIGION/ Insect Gods of Ancient California




INITIATION IN THE DREAM LODGE OF THE NECTAR OF THE SALTIM
1983
Eric Whollem
India ink, watercolor and wax resist on paper
drawing
copyright by the artist
THE INSECT GODS OF ANCIENT CALIFORNIA

Among the Concow Maidu Indians of California, who practice the Kuksu Dream Religion there is a high order of spirits, the Saltim. The Saltim are sometimes equated with insect spirits, who are very lucky and symbols of great wisdom.

This drawing shows the dream lodge of the Saltim. 

The Kuksu Religion, which is practiced by many tribes in California, from Mt. Shasta down to Yosemite, usually involved a society of initiates of dream knowledge. Certain parallels could be drawn with the autochthonous beliefs of the ancient Australians concerning the Dream Time.

The tribal leaders among the Maidu have been traditionally chosen for the quality of their dream life.

*

Read more about the Maidu Indians: