2. Literature
All early humans told stories orally. This paved the way
for literature to evolve. The Natives could not read or
write so they transferred their knowledge through
language. Members of the tribe listen and retold to the
stories, to create a path for literacy. The stories told had
a plot, setting, themes, imagery, and symbolism. When
Homo sapiens learned to write they wrote out their
history, stories, and traditions down to keep a record of
them.
3. Storytelling
Storytelling is one of the oldest ways folklore art.
Traditions and cultural beliefs are the main purpose for
storytelling. Throughout centuries Native Americans
have been known to use storytelling as a form of
expression of historical moments. This form of art has
been passed down from generation to generations.
Storytelling develops communication abilities, expands
the imagination, and builds self-esteem.
4. Storytelling Dolls Dedicates service to spirits of
the ancestors.
Religious ceremonial dolls
called "Kachina Dolls“
Brings a good harvest.
There are over 900 varieties
of the doll each representing
a different spirit.
5. Kachina Dolls
In the language of the Pueblo Indians the word kachina
means “life bringer”. Kachina dolls symbolize ancestral
spirits that resided in the mountains. Native American
Indians belief is that the kachinas delivered prayers
directly to the tribal Gods. They also believed that the
kachinas showed the indigenous people how to live and
respect the earth. Throughout certain times of year
kachina dolls are received as gifts to women and
children.
6. Tribal Song and DanceNative Americans used tribal songs
and dance to portray their stories.
They channeled their stories with
their spiritual attributes, in order for
cultural inheritance.
Rhythmic, soul-enriching dance
Teaches history and traditions
Cultural phenomenon
9. Native American Symbols
Across regions Native American symbols can vary from one
tribe to another. A variation of symbols were used on
numerous objects for several different symbolic
interpretations. Secret symbols used by Indian warriors were
depicted by body decoration such as; sorts of War paint.
Majority of the symbols were of nature, religion, and comic
beliefs. Others symbols served as communication to other
tribal members and identity of tribes. Some conveyed
immediate secret messages. A few of Native American
symbols were particularly for individual families to be passed
down to one generation to the other. Some symbols were
even provided for direction purposes.
10. Native American Symbols & Signs
Symbols and signs have been used for a variation of
diverse reasons in the Native American culture and were
illustrated on several objects and articles utilized by the
women, men and children of the tribes.
12. Rock Art
Art was embark on by the indigenous ancestors to depict
artistic or religious connotations, represented events or
were shaped as a form of enchantment. Imageries of
cryptic Mythical beings and creatures are also presented
on Rock Art. Rock Art presented ‘tribal historians’ that
produced pictorial or inscribed records. Rock art is one
of the oldest forms of record keeping.
13. Rock Art continued..
Two different styles of rock art styles are symbolic
pictographs and petroglyphs.
http://youtu.be/xGdn4lRqQvs
14. Current Information
The tradition of storytelling is less common today than it
was years ago. Some authors though do use it (native and
non native) and promised to preserve these stories to
even keep this promise from elder tribe members.
15. Work Sited
Tracey. “Native American Stories: A Tradition of Storytelling.
“Native American Stories: A Tradition of Storytelling.” Native
American Art. Prairie Edge, 19 Jan. 2011. Web 06 Sept. 2012.
Phillips, Louis. “The Role of Storytelling in Early Literacy
Development – by Louise Phillips.”
http://www.prairieedge.com/tribe-scribe/native-american-
tradition-storytelling
http://www.australianstorytelling.org.au/txt/childhd.php
http://nativeamericanencyclopedia.com/rock-art/
http://www.supamov.net/imgsc/811/811_1.jpg
