Zamimolo, Linpint, Ventumoko, Nob, and Tas gathered to decide what to carry to make their accommodations. They understood that most of the travelers stayed in a wooded area just east of the village where the land leveled off half way up a mountain, where trees helped support lean-tos made of skins. They wanted to enjoy the time spent, so they planned to carry plenty of skins, ropes, and sleeping skins—enough for all seven of them.
When the day of departure arrived, all travelers were ready. Family members looked at their young ones, wondering whether they’d ever see them again. Each strongly hoped that the lives of the young people would be good ones.
Very early, the boats from the Northwestern Kapotonok arrived. The transfer of People and goods was a quick one, and the boats were on their way. The People had their emotional farewells the night before travel due to the suspicion that sadness on departure day would cause the travel to fall into difficulty. Anyone who might weep or show sadness remained at the cave on departure day.
Chapter 6
Excitement on the boats increased as they rounded the point of land to make their way to Bekwaboati. There were two major inlets facing south. The second one to the east led to Bekwaboati. The occupants of the boat could hear the people before they could see them. In the experience of those who previously had attended one of these events, not even they had ever seen so many people in one place at one time.
The Northwestern Kapotonok told the newcomers to follow their lead. Before they could participate in the event, they had to establish their camp and set up their shelters. It took a good while to climb the hill to reach the area where people set up shelters. When they reached the area many others were busily arranging their camp sites. Ahah and Ventumoko took the rope and tied the ends to two sturdy trees. They tied rope to two other trees parallel to the first one. The skins would easily fit the ropes and provide enough covered space for the seven of them.
“This is so exciting,” Ahah said to Ventumoko while they began to set up their shelter, a skin tent.
“It really is. I heard from Ti that there isn’t much to the gathering until the evening. They make a large fire and those interested in meeting others have to introduce themselves to the large group. That way you see people introduce themselves and begin to see who might interest you. I feel a bit outside of myself here. I don’t really feel comfortable just walking up to a stranger for the purpose of getting to know her. I think I will have to learn quickly, if I want to find a wife here.”
“I know what you mean. I felt comfortable until we arrived, and, then, I saw the huge number of people here. Suddenly I feel very small.”
“I guess you have something to learn also.”
“Yes, Ventumoko, I have to learn just like you do.”
“Can I help with those bundles?” Picota asked them.
“Of course. We’re just putting the things under the tent area we tied off. Here comes Linpint with skins for the tent. Looks like Zamimolo is right behind him with more.”
“You didn’t waste any time,” Linpint boomed out. “Why’d you pick this place where it’s so open?”
“We chose this one because of the breeze. If there are bugs tonight, the breeze might help us have fewer of them.”
“Good thinking for people who haven’t traveled much.”
“Thank you, Father,” Ventumoko laughed. The People joked about Linpint’s always being ready to travel somewhere.
The men began to place the skins on the ropes arranging them to make a secure tent that would protect from rain. When the tent began to droop, they’d prop the ropes with branches they either salvaged from the ground or cut down. The young people gathered armfuls of dried grasses to make a barrier between the sleeping skins and the ground. Ahah wanted to bring some mats made of strong leaves for ground protection from home, but they were too heavy to carry along with the skins. Gathering dried grasses was the best they could do, but the dried grass available was disappearing quickly so the young people hurried to gather a good supply before the grasses near them were gone. More dried grasses were available to the north, but it required a good walk over rough ground to reach them. Tas collected wood for hearth fires and stacked a pile in front of the tent opening. When all had finished, they gathered at their camp to prepare for the evening by combing their hair and picking their teeth.
Inside the tent, leaning against a tree trunk, Linpint said, “I think we should go as a group to the meeting tonight. We should present ourselves as orderly People. We will see together what the meeting shows us. Then, if it’s advisable for us to split our group, that will happen. You are here, after all, to meet people. Then, we will meet back here at night. I do not want anyone in our group to spend the night anywhere except our tent. Is that clear? Be here when the sun is no more than half way below the sea.”
“Father,” Ventumoko laughed, “You really think we could find someone that quickly?”
The other young People laughed.
“I am not trying to entertain you. Before you left, you agreed to obey Zamimolo and me. I am holding you to that agreement.”
“I’ll be here, Father,” Ventumoko said.
“I’ll be here,” the other young People each acknowledged, more serious.
“Good, then our People should look good to others. Let’s go down now,” Zamimolo said. He was as eager as the young People to see what this meeting would bring.
When they reached the lower level where the evening’s events would occur, Zamimolo was surprised. The people of the village at Bekwaboati had prepared a long table of food for the people who came to the event. There was a lot of roasted peccary, some camel, some seafood, and lots of greens and fruits. The variety was widely selected and there was a seeming overabundance of food. All were invited to eat when they arrived. The interaction among people who didn’t know each other was pleasant. People introduced themselves, knowing that it was unlikely that the other person would remember their names. It was a social event, however, and people were interested in the interaction with those they’d never seen, even if they felt somewhat awkward and retiring about it.
A young girl with very long black hair that shone almost as blue walked up to Tas. “Are you here for the search?” she asked, her eyes looking directly into his.”
“Yes. I’m Tas,” he replied somewhat surprised, until he remembered that he was at the event to meet people, and he was glad she was forward.
“I’m Kib. My home is far, far south where the snow covered mountains rise above the land.”
“I’m Tas,” he repeated and groaned silently to himself at the repetition. “My People came from across the sea where it was very cold to find a warmer place. We now live on the narrow land that connects the two big lands.”
“You must have many colorful birds,” she said with a smile.
“We do,” he said, realizing that she was having as much difficulty talking to him as he was in talking to her. Birds! he thought, smiling to himself.
In another place, Picota, Ahah, Ventumoko, and Nob were clustered, somewhat anxious about their decision to attend the event. Each was eating the wonderful food that had been set out for them, wondering whether they should have come. It was just awkward.
A loud whistle sounded and a voice called to all to come to assemble at the meeting place. The People gathered and went to the meeting place together. They sat either cross-legged or kneeling, sitting on their heels. All were eager to hear what the speaker would say. Those who accompanied the young people, such as Zamimolo and Linpint, stood on the outside perimeter, watching.
A short, man with skin the color of a rain soaked tree trunk and a smile showing gleaming white teeth stood before the gathering. He raised both his arms to quiet the group. A hush fell on the group. He began, “I am Ta, Chief of the Bekwaboati. All of us live in great lands where there is much distance between us and little opportunity for small groups of people to find others with whom to join, others who are not related in some way. This meeting is to a
dd health to the people who live in these great lands. We can find people who are appealing to us in different ways, people we’d otherwise never meet. Each pair that comes from this meeting will have to decide where they will choose to live. This is a special time. When you come together to talk, keep in mind that you are here for a reason. Look for someone who has the characteristics you find critically important. If you go to hunt for a wife or husband, you don’t chat about the weather.”
Several young people laughed audibly. They’d already chatted about things that had no import on wife/husband selection.
“Look into how the other lives, what they believe, who are their friends and enemies. Find out whether the other person is calm or spirited, helpful or wants freedom from helping others, gentle or rough, self-effacing or arrogant. These things matter. You only have seven days for your selections, so you must choose quickly, but remember to be careful. Whatever it is that you choose to do, it’s a significant choice that can affect you for the rest of your life. Choose wisely. Now, what we will do here is have each person who is searching come forward one at a time. Tell the group your name, something about yourself, and repeat your name at the end. You’ll have a little time to think what you’ll say, while I continue with the news. Skirim has just counted the people here. There are seventy eight people who came here. That’s the most we’ve ever had. You should find a great variety to help you make your selections. This is not a time to be shy. Listen carefully to each young person as they introduce themselves. Look at them. Is there something that draws you to that person? If so, make a note to remember their names.”
“Each day for seven days, we’ll provide food in the evening just as we did this evening. You have to provide your own morning meal. We have privies set up on the hill behind the large rock and over by the dead tree stump that stands with half its roots exposed to the air. Down on this level there are privies to the far south, over by the palm trees down there where I’m pointing, and back behind the dwellings that are set over there where I’m pointing. You’re free to make your own, but with this many people, it is critical that you make sure to cover your leavings. Also, if you eat at your camp, be sure to put any bones in your hearth fire. Don’t throw them out where someone could step on them.”
“Finally, unless there are reasons to provide you information, there will be no more meetings. If there is a need to share information, a local drum will sound. If that occurs, please come quickly.”
“Now, the moment you’ve all been waiting for. You’ll begin to introduce yourselves. After your introduction, go to Skirim. She’ll give you a string with a seashell attached. That lets all know that you’re one of the searchers. Do not approach anyone in your search who doesn’t wear the stringed shell. There are plenty of people here for one reason or another who are not searching. Leave them alone. Finally, when you find the person who will be your wife or husband, return the stringed shell to Skirim. Now, I’ll go over here by Skirim, and each of you who is searching, come up and introduce yourself when you’re ready.” Ta walked over to the table where Skirim had the stringed shells. He sat down and leaned against a tree.
A young man stood and walked to the front. “I am Bul of the Nola Nola. I went south to school in the land of the Nola Nola on the high straight mountain, then finished four years at the Alitukit School, completed my trial of manhood, and now seek a wife. We live in a beautiful valley by the sea where I hunt and participate in making our village a good place to live. I seek a strong, healthy wife who will bear many happy children. I want to live in my village. My name is Bul.” He smiled at the group, turned, and went to get his stringed shell. Picota was fascinated by him. His dark color appealed to her and his self-assured ease in talking to the group made her remember his name, Bul. His smile warmed her. He returned to his seat at the far side of the gathering place from her.
Another young man rose and introduced himself. He was not as at ease in front of the group as Bul, but he was handsome and many of the young women were drawn to him. One after another, the young men and women introduced themselves. Those who were shy found that listening to others made their introductions became clearer to construct. For a few, it would be agonizingly painful to speak to the large group, but somehow they each managed to give a name and some personal information. A few of the young women were so quiet that their voices could not be heard at all.
When Picota went to speak, she found that her fear seemed to vanish because Bul was looking at her with amazing interest. She said, “My name is Picota. My People live on the narrow piece of the connecting land. My parents and I made the sea voyage from a cold land to the warm land where we live now. I have no memory of it. I seek a husband who is gentle, kind, likes children, and is a good hunter. I also look for someone who can laugh easily.” Looking at Bul, she added, “It wouldn’t hurt if he is pleasing to look at. My name is Picota.” She smiled at the group, lingering her smile on Bul, and went to get her stringed shell.
Ventumoko followed her. As he spoke, Ahah became increasingly uncomfortable. She saw some of the women looking at him, and it bothered her. She tried to reason herself out of what she considered absurd jealousy but found it terribly difficult. He had every right to be a searcher. She had, after all, rejected him.
It was her turn. She rose and stood before the group. She looked at the sea of faces and saw Ventumoko as he returned to his seat. “I am Ahah,” she said firmly. “I am from the narrow connecting land and live among the People. I search for a husband who will be kind, gentle, a good provider, and who delights me just to see his face in the morning, all through the day, and at night. I know how to do the things wives do in a community. I’m a good worker.” She had prepared other things to say, but she looked at Ventumoko again and said, “My name is Ahah.”
Ventumoko looked at her wondering why she seemed so uncomfortable. In another part of the large group, a young man named Kowotiach was attracted to Ahah and wanted to meet her as soon as the meeting adjourned. Ahah returned to her place after taking the stringed shell. She suddenly realized she had been at the meeting listening carefully, and she had seen no one she wanted to get to know. Ahah was horrified. She hoped soon to see someone who would attract her. She began to wonder whether something was wrong with her.
The introductions seemed to go on forever but finally the searchers were fewer and took longer to come to the front to share information—until there were no more. As soon as the young people began to realize the introductions were over, they tried to get close to the person who impressed them the most. Ahah turned to ask Ventumoko something only to face a tall very handsome young man with dark tanned skin and dark brown eyes.
“As soon as I heard you speak, I wanted to meet you,” Kowotiach said, smiling.
“Hi,” she replied coolly. “What’s your name?”
The young man realized quickly that she hadn’t been impressed enough to remember his name, so he carefully told her syllable by syllable, “Kowotiach.”
“If I remember right, you live to the far south, and your people have been here for a long, long time. Is that right?”
“You may have me mistaken for someone else. I live just on the large land to the north. My people have been here longer than memory, but the history is that we came from the sea to the west. We make boats from large trees that are hollowed out carefully, and we travel the waterways of the rivers. At some times, such as these events, we come out to the sea. Tell me about you. You were born in this land, is that right?”
“Yes, I was born here but my parents were born across the sea where it was cold. I am glad to be here. I’m sorry that I confused you with someone else. There are so many people here that it’s hard to keep all the stories straight.” Although she talked with Kowotiach, her eyes followed Ventumoko until she could no longer see him.
Kowotiach realized she was preoccupied, but he wasn’t ready to give up. He found Ahah beautiful, her white skin so unusual that he could not keep his eyes from it. Her blu
e eyes were the color of sky, something he’d never seen in eye color and her long, brown, loose curly hair captivated him. He kept talking and she responded, but not in the way that a smitten woman would, at least not the ones he knew. He tried every approach he could think of, but none of them really seemed to hold her attention for long. He began to wonder whether he should seek a wife elsewhere. Then a loud noise occurred, and the earth began to rumble and move beneath their feet. Some people were knocked off their feet. Kowotiach fell to his back and Ahah tried to help him up only to fall on her side near him. The quake lasted for what the people at the search event felt was a very long time. They’d find some camp tents needed to be fixed and some trees had fallen over, but the table with all the food remained standing though many people near it were on the ground.
People began to get up. Kowotiach helped Ahah rise to her feet. Once she stood, another rumble sent her back to the ground. Her arm hit a rock and it began to swell. What looked like a great plum hung from her forearm near the elbow, evidence that she bled inside the skin. Finally the size of it remained the same, so that those who understood could reason the bleeding had stopped and she would be alright. There were two people who cured the sick and injured. They went to the gathering place and Ta whistled. He called any who were injured to come to the gathering place.
“Here,” Kowotiach offered, “Let me help you to the gathering place.”
“I’m fine, thank you.”
“Ahah, is there nothing you find appealing about me?” he finally asked, having exhausted his thoughts on how to appeal to her.
“It’s not that. I’m worried about the people I know.”
“They are with others. If they’re injured, you’ll see them come down here to the gathering place.”
Zamimolo’s Story, 50,000 BC Page 25