A fictional self-portrait given by a person living
on the verge of the Stone and Bronze Age
They call me Nia, as I told you when I woke you up this morning. I am also called “Mother” by our fok because my man was the head of our people. He died when saving the other men from the falling mammoth that they have defeated together.
My man was bringing me green stones because of my green eyes. Until the day before today, my son was bringing me green stones from where he was hunting with others. But now he will be bringing blue stones for you, because of your blue eyes.
He stole you from another folk, just like his father stole me from mine. So, don’t be afraid of me. I know that you are afraid. I was scared too, after I was brought to this folk. They are so different with their small brown eyes and dark skin, but they are good.
Other women here are allowed to have other men when their husbands die, but not me and not you. Our men are the selected ones, because they are of the ruler’s line and the only ones of the young folk who are allowed to come together with the circle of wise men.
I have one son, but all people of our folk are my children. I must take care of them. I wake them up in the morning and go after them to sleep. Many young children come to me when they cry before they go to their own mothers.
My time to go over the river will come soon and you will be the next after me. So, you have to learn how to make the glittering brown arrowheads, before I go. Only I know the right ingredients and my son and the men in his line are the only ones, who are allowed to use them.
And have many kids from your man. After he dies, you will not have any more. I have only one.
We talked enough. Now, come with me. I will show you our cave, which will be your home now. You have to prepare your sleeping place before it gets dark.