At the Tidepool: Haida Hot Tubbing

In the dead of winter, on a mist shrouded coastline long ago, strange dinner parties were held in "long houses," complete with giant indoor bar-b-cues. Prominent among those cultures throwing these parties were the Haida tribe of Vancouver Island. Everyone in the village would gather 'round the central fire pit, and many came from distant villages as honored guests bearing their bounty: treasures and trophies, as presents for the host of this Potlatch. Together they would all sit down in defiance of winter's threats and celebrate their existence, provision, culture and dreams.
Feasting, drinking, dancing and making music. Performing plays and religious ceremonies. Displaying and even giving away ones' wealth (often in the form of a shield-like plates called "coppers"). Forging agreements, treaties, and alliances. Beating the dreary winter back to its proper place, "outside!" Forgetting life's difficulties and just partying 'til you drop on Mussel Beach!
Then everybody would get naked, run outside and hop into the ole thermally heated tidepool while the spray and mist from the 40 degree ocean water settled upon them. Invigorating their hot skins with an icy tingle recalling those famous Swedish Sauna parties of Europe's far north. These folks are hardy... and crazy.
After all their religion tells of enchanted beings influencing entire regions – with their omni present face being seen floating effervescently at shore's edge. Slipping in and out of view between the tree trunks and ferns. Legends like like this were popular, especially with those tribal members given to UFO sightings and conspiracy theories. Myth, magic and legend were born at these tide pool parties; along with tales from the underworld, the dark side of creation. Some of these dark dramas even led to dark plans being set in motion.
But doesn't all this bear a remarkable resemblance to what happens at upscale parties in this country today. We have all the elements our native American predecessors had. Displaying the wealth of the home and the family — the large richly appointed house (with an indoor bar-b-cue) whose inhabitants are draped with rings, bracelets, ear rings, neck chains, etc. Eating and drinking and enjoying high quality entertainment. Business deals, treaties and alliances being made; and yes even dark plans being hatched. And later there's all that tribal bonding in the hot tub.
Yes we're not so different than our Native American forebears after all, are we?
At the Tidepool: Haida Hot Tubbing ©2007 Kenneth O. Hansen,
all rights reserved Prisma Color on Arches 6.5"x9.5" image area
Cat no. DRV2-005 Full sized prints available at www.DreamScapes.ws