Do you speak hand talk?

As a little preview of the Native American studies we'll be starting this Spring, we had a fun and educational visit from Seabury grandparent and Lewis and Clark history buff and re-enactor Gary Bush, who introduced us to Native American sign language, or "hand talk." He also talked a bit about some animals that were important to Native Americans and how they were used. We got to feel many different furs and pelts, from beaver to buffalo. Gary is an amazing storyteller and the kids were absolutely fascinated ...

 If you speak only French and he does not, how do you tell him that you're hungry? (One hint: Don't just yell "I'm hungry!"

 Gary told us that people were often identified by conspicuous personality traits. Meet "Little Talk-A-Lot Woman."

 "Little"

 "Talk"

 Or they were known for their great deeds or roles in the tribe. Here is the great hunter ...

 "Little Coyote."

 Here's how you say "Moose."

 This Buffalo skin was HUGE. 

We could not wait to touch this!

But apparently you had to be pretty strong to wear a buffalo hide! It is heavy!

Here's a beaver hide, ready to make a lovely hat.

Complete with tail!

Thanks, Gary!