Village of the Coyote
1985
by Eric Whollem
mixed media on paper
15" x 21 1/4"
COPYRIGHT BY THE ARTIST
CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE
Henokano
Coyote is called Henokano by the Concow Maidu Indians of
Butte County, California. Coyote, of course, is featured in the
legends of numerous Native American people.
According to the Maidu, Henokano was one of three archetypical
beings who floated on a raft in a great ocean at the beginning of
time. Turtle, or Ultrama, was there. Also Wonomi, or Earth
Initiate.
SHAMANISM AND COYOTE
Coyote is conceived of as a trickster. The Maidu stories tell us
that originally the stars were placed in an attractive pattern in
the sky~but Henokano scattered them in a disorderly manner.
Today at Little Bald Rock in Butte County, one can see Coyote's
wife. She is a large triangular shaped granite boulder.
Coyote is also remembered in stone by the Concow Maidu. He
appears on Table Mountain above Oroville, California, laying next
to Lizard. Not far off is a large stone that is Wonomi, the Earth Initiate.
These stones are basaltic lava formations.
In some Native American views, the trickster energy is parcel of
the mindset of a shaman. A shaman is often a clown, creating
mock situations that ultimately lead to healing through humor.
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Readers may wish to view my posts that deal with NATIVE AMERICAN influences in my art on these links:
Those specifically seeking posts on the CONCOW MAIDU INDIANS should see:
Others may want to see more of my ABSTRACT ART:
See more about MEDICINE ANIMALS here:
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