KAKINIM
1984
by Eric Whollem
mixed media on paper
9" x 6"
Collection of the artist
COPYRIGHT BY THE ARTIST
CONCOW MAIDU INDIAN CONCEPTS IN THE ART OF ERIC WHOLLEM
The term 'kakinim' means 'spirits' in the language of the Concow
Maidu Indians of Butte County, California. I have fancifully created
a number of pictographic images representing the spirit world. My
symbols are of my own creation, and are not related to any traditional
forms in Maidu art or culture.
The Maidu Indians are of different designations: those of Butte County
are Concow (which are subdivided into various cultural groups); those of
the High Sierra are Mountain Maidu; while those further south are Nisenan,
I lived at Black Earth Village for many years, known as the original site of
the Mooretown Rancheria.
Some of the representations, one might note, are gridlike forms,
suggesting basketry. Some might be seen as animals: perhaps dogs
or coyotes. Dogs, of course, represent the modern time frame, after
European immigrants came into contact with the People.
According to traditional belief trees, stones, as well as animals and
people have spirit forms. 'Kakini' is the singular form; while 'kakinim'
is the plural of the Maidu designation. There are legends of small beings
much like leprecauns from Irish lore among some Maidu storytellers.
In the Kuksu Dream Religion, the Saltu are the highest order of Kakinim.
Kakinimkodom, or Spirit Country, is the highest level of the Maidu
Otherworld, or Heavenworld, which is traditionally centered at Histayami
in Sutter County.
________________________
See my posts about the MAIDU INDIANS:
BELOW ARE SOME VIDEOS
THAT DEAL WITH THE
CONCOW MAIDU
AS ILLUSTRATED BY MY ART
CONCOW MAIDU INDIAN LORE
CONCOW MAIDU RELIGION
CONCOW MAIDU CULTURE
See my posts on KUKSU, the Maidu Dream Religion:
