Story Telling Across Cultures

Most Native American tribes passed on the history of the tribe through oral tradition.  The elders would pass the stories along to the children.  Many tribes had "story tellers" to teach moral lessons and values.

Our "Story Teller" ceramic figures come from pre-Columbian inspiration along with 20th century ceramics from the southwest. What traditions and stories will you pass on to future generations? Talk to your elders (parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles--or other community figures).  Below, are listed some ideas to get you started.  We will record your stories to play during our district art show--along with video containing everyone's storyteller figures and your artist's statement about what it means to you.  You do not need to include everything listed.  These may be very personal and do not HAVE to be recorded.  You will not be graded on the content---just on whether or not you do the assignment.

1. What nationality were your ancestors?

 
2. When did your ancestors come to this country? What were they seeking?

 
3. What was their livelihood (what did they do for a living?)

 
4. What family traditions were passed down from your ancestors? What family traditions of your ancestors are no longer practiced? (For instance, communication was very important to my ancestors.  They spent their free time, what little they had, writing letters.  I have many of their letters saved.  My elders (on the Richer side) saved these letters dating from 1860's.  My personal family does not write letters, which to me is sad. We occasionally phone one another--I am the one who phones to keep the communication going)

 
5. What lessons have you learned from your elders?  (Lessons on character building, beliefs and values)

 
6. What fond memories do you have growing up?  What stories will you tell of the "good old days"?

 
7. What traditions will you pass on to future generations?

 
8. What are your hopes for the future? What are your concerns?  (Will the world end in the year 2012? What will the "New World" be like?)