KUKSU AND MORNINGSTAR
2015
Maidem Kodom/ Mooretown Provisional Post Office
Eric Whollem
faux postage stamps
copyright by the artist
KUKSU & MORNINGSTAR
Kuksu is said by the Concow Maidu Indians of Northern California to be the first man. He and his bride Morningstar were created of mud on Table Mountain in Butte County, California. Kuksu is the basis of what is known as the Kuksu Cult, an important indigenous religion of early California.
The beliefs in Kuksu are found among many tribes through the state: the Nisenan, the Pomo, the Wintun, the Miwok, the Cato, and the Patwin. The basic common thread among the practitioners of this religion is the emphasis on dreams as the basis of knowledge. Dreams are studied by initiates. Usually the leaders of the various tribes are proficient in dream recollection and interpretation.
Click on Maidem Kodom on my Art Blog search labels list and you will pull up images of more stamps of Maidem Kodom.
Click on Maidem Kodom on my Art Blog search labels list and you will pull up images of more stamps of Maidem Kodom.
KUKSU AND MORNINGSTAR
2015
Maidem Kodom/ Mooretown Provisional Post Office
Eric Whollem
faux postage stamps
copyright by the artist
MAIDEM KODOM
Maidem Kodom means The Country of the People in the dialect of the Concow Maidu. As a fantasy stamp designer, I chose this name for the issuing postal service for these stamps. Of course, such a postal service only exists in imagination.
I have dedicated this stamp to the memory of Herb Puffer, who was the owner of Pacific Western Traders in Folsom, California. He was a philanthropist who helped the Native Americans of California in keeping alive the unique traditions of the indigenous peoples of California. I know, for example, that he bought costumes for the Yokut Indian traditional dancers of the San Joaquin Valley. He also helped produce a record of Maidu traditional music on vinyl. Much more can be attributed to this man who invited me to his Pow Wows in Folsom.
KUKSU AND MORNINGSTAR
2015
Maidem Kodom/ Mooretown Provisional Post Office
Eric Whollem
faux postage stamps
copyright by the artist
CHI CHI TE
Chi Chi Te, or Black Earth Village, is a place that I lived off an on for many years back in the 20th century. My friends and neighbors were Concow Maidu Indians.
You will notice that in the design of this stamp is a bear mask. The black bear, or Pano, is sacred to the Maidu.
Also you might notice that elements of lithic culture, or stone flaking for arrowheads or other stone tools is used the designs seen on this stamp. The large figure in the center is Kuksu. Morningstar is up to the left.
Chi Chi Te is just one traditional village site on Mooretown Ridge in the Feather Falls area of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
KUKSU AND MORNINGSTAR
2015
Maidem Kodom/ Mooretown Provisional Post Office
Eric Whollem
faux postage stamps
copyright by the artist
KUKSU AND MORNINGSTAR
2015
Maidem Kodom/ Mooretown Provisional Post Office
Eric Whollem
faux postage stamps
copyright by the artist
