Monday, May 28, 2012

Lake Istokpoga Village

Last week, I showed you the mural from Lake Istokpoga, the Jewel of Highlands County.  Today, I continue with the mural from the Village.  This mural is 32' wide by 13' high and is a replica of a Seminole village about 100 years ago.


 The Indian woman in this painting is pounding corn with a mortar and pestle to make grits for sofkee, which is a bland corn soup.  It is a favorite hot drink of Florida natives.  Behind here are the chickees, built of cypress logs and palm thatching.  They were designed to let the breezes blow through them and had mosquito netting.  They had roof rafters for storage.  Everyone shared the cooking chickee, and the fire never went out.

These Seminole Indians were not native Floridians, but drifted southward from Alabama and Georgia.


The word "Istokpoga" means "many men died here".  The mystery of the lake's history includes stories of dangerous whirlpools where people drowned.  These stories also include the legend of the shaman who magically "fixed" the whirlpools to make the lake safer.

As promised, I am also including a few shots of the lake as it was the day we visited in January.  It is truly beautiful, and I enjoy going nearly every time we go to Florida!




Linking to Monday Murals.  If you enjoy seeing murals from around the world, be sure to visit by clicking on the link above.

15 comments:

Andy said...

Beautiful scene captured in the mural. It's always nice to have a good legend to go with it.

Anonymous said...

Great mural AND lovely lake shots!

Pam and Sam

Anonymous said...

Beautiful pictures, as usual! That last mural is gorgeous.

I saw your comment on Sam's blog that your Mom is here. Please tell her hello for me - thinking of her brings back memories of Rose.

Enjoy your day!
Dianna

Roan said...

The murals are amazing as is the lake.

Francisca said...

A wonderful mural, nicely captured. The Chinese like hot bland corn drink too, but sweetened. Lovely lake shots, Linda.

Jan n Jer said...

Awesome shots n interesting at the same time!

PerthDailyPhoto said...

I love a mural that tells a story, the Indian lady looks so regal! I'm reading a book about a Shaman right now, fascinating! I can see why you enjoy going to the lake Linda, looks great fun.

Oakland Daily Photo said...

I had no idea how Seminoles lived until your mural. Maybe it's the thatched roofs, but it looks almost Hawaiian to me. Fascinating. Thanks for continuing to participate in Monday Mural.

EG CameraGirl said...

Excellent mural depicting a slice of life of the Florida natives. And what gorgeous sky shots!

Grandma Barb's This and That said...

Beautiful mural!

RedPat said...

it's a fabulous mural!

Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson said...

Beautiful murals and lake. I loved hearing the legend.
Hugs,
Jann

eileeninmd said...

The murals are lovely, Linda! And the lake scene is very pretty. Wonderful images. Have a great day!

Kranky Granny said...

Beautiful murals and wonderful history to go with them. Thanks for taking along with you on your travels.

Melbourne Australia Photos said...

Wow, great mural and a lovely lake captured with wonderful light.