In various myths, the birds and animals gave a shy young man a flute, as he was too shy to speak to the girl he loved with words alone.
A gift of the Elk Men, the flute was imbued with the melodies of the animals and birds.
This image remembers the red headed woodpecker...he is believed to have pecked out the finger holes.
The girl's dress is covered with cowrie shells, which, just like her Navajo blanket, were traded from far away. The young man is wrapped in his courting blanket, which was more than likely made by a woman in his family who wished him well when seeking the woman to walk with in life.
Image from the book,
Love Flute.
Note
All Paul Goble poster prints are published to museum quality standards using fade-resistant inks on 80# Ikonofix Dull Cover acid-free paper stock. The paper contains 50% recycled material. Listed in the copy, under each poster, is the book in which the illustration originates.
