NATIVE AMERICAN
MYTHOLOGY
This project challenged designers to create a commemorative stamp for the U.S. Postal Service, centered around a subject they found meaningful. I was captivated by the rich symbolism and storytelling in Native American mythology, which became the inspiration behind my design. This piece reflects my exploration of indigenous legends and the creative process that brought those stories to life in a visually compelling and compact format.
I began the project by brainstorming subjects I was passionate about ranging from music and inventors to influential Asian American figures. However, one key guideline was that any featured celebrity must have been deceased for at least four years, which narrowed my options. Ultimately, I was drawn to the world of American mythology, which had captivated me at the time. After researching a wide range of legends, I decided to focus on three powerful and lesser-known mythological figures: the Deer Woman, the Stick Indians, and the Yee Naaldlooshii. Each embodies unique aspects of Native American folklore, and together, they offered a rich visual and cultural narrative for the stamp design.
Stick Indians
Stick Indians are mysterious and feared beings from Pacific Northwest Native American folklore. Known for living deep in the forest, they are said to whistle at night, mimic voices, and lure people away, especially children, never to return. Often invisible or shadowy, they represent the dangers of the wild and are rarely spoken of, out of fear and respect.
This illustration is bold, eerie, and visually striking perfectly capturing the mysterious and haunting presence of the Stick Indians from Native American mythology. The dark forest backdrop and muted color palette evoke a sense of danger and the unknown, while the glowing white eyes and horned silhouette of the figure reinforce their supernatural and elusive nature. The use of contrast and shadow adds tension, making the character feel like it's emerging from the wilderness watching, waiting.
Yee Naaldlooshii
Yee Naaldlooshii, or Skinwalkers, are shapeshifting witches from Navajo mythology. Known for transforming into animals like wolves or coyotes, they use dark magic and are feared for their ability to cause harm. Seen as symbols of betrayal and taboo, Skinwalkers represent a powerful and dangerous force within Native American lore, rarely spoken of, and never taken lightly.
In this illustration, I chose a deep green palette to reflect the earthy, natural environment that surrounds the Skinwalker, a creature deeply tied to the wild. The orange fur adds a striking contrast, symbolizing both danger and transformation. A pale moonlight casts a glow over its back, emphasizing the creature’s nocturnal nature and the eerie stillness of the moment. The moon not only lights the scene but also hints at when the Skinwalker is most active: hidden in darkness, yet powerfully present.
Deer Woman
Deer Woman is a shape-shifting spirit, often seen as a beautiful young woman with the legs or hooves of a deer. She is both a symbol of love and a force of caution. In some stories, she appears to people who respect women, nature, and tradition, offering blessings of fertility, love, or creativity.
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But in other versions, she is a vengeful spirit, punishing men who harm or exploit women. She lures them in with beauty and charm, then disappears or leads them to their doom. Her cloven hooves are often the only clue to her true identity.
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Deer Woman’s dual nature, gentle and deadly, makes her a powerful symbol of femininity, justice, and transformation in Native American lore.
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In this illustration, I chose pink as the dominant color to emphasize the femininity and symbolic essence of Deer Woman. Red accents highlight both the passionate, loving nature of the figure and the underlying danger she represents. To further support the theme, I incorporated traditional Native American makeup and ornamentation, reinforcing her cultural roots and the duality of beauty and power in her legend.
Final Product
In the end, it was not accepted, but I believe if they still deserve a recognition to be at them stamp one day.
