Storytelling

In the spirit of the ancients, Kevin “Two-Steps” collection of Native tales is used to teach, entertain and give you much to think about.

Limited engagements are now being offered to scouting groups, senior groups, summer schools, camps, libraries, museums, Powwows and gatherings.

For more information on prices (private or open to public events) with or without museum, travel distances in NJ, PA, etc, contact Kevin “Two-Steps” at the Lenape Museum Show (908) 996-2623.

Native American Storytelling

Native American storytellers were people held in the highest regard. They were historians, psychologists, philosophers, anthropologists, wisdom keepers, poets, futurists, priests, entertainers, and carriers of news. Their tales spoke of creation, tribal history, heroes, great deeds and animal ways. Storytellers trained for many years. If one appeared to have a gift one might begin at a very young age. Stories were passed down, word for word without deviation. Storytellers were truly the unbound living history books.

The mention of a storyteller coming would send a village into a frenzy of anticipation. A lodge and food would be prepared to give rest and refreshment to the honored guest. A feast would be constructed and gifts selected to express gratitude for each tale. The big house lodge would be swept out, the wood brought in and fire started. As story time neared everyone would gather in the lodge with bowl and spoon in hand. Hides and blankets were brought in as well for stories were not told in the warm season. Stories were told only after the harvest moon.

The storyteller was always given a seat of honor, usually at the west end facing an eastern entrance way. After all had eaten, bowls were wiped clean with sweet grass and stashed away. The storyteller would begin, passing the pipe to be smoked. It was time to wrap up and be comfortable. Stories that taught and entertained children were told first. The children would eventually fall asleep, curled up, close to mother. No matter what stories were to follow, in good times or in bad, the stories were meant to give hope, comfort, understanding and much to think about.