Fred asked what type of scenes were used in the paintings.
“No two are alike,” Dan explained. “The designs are all abstract, symbolic in meaning. Colored sand is used, of course. Each color has a special significance. For instance, browns and grays are for fulfillment. White represents the morning. Blue is for goodness or happiness.”
“That sounds too hard,” complained Mack. “Can’t we make something easy like a house or a sunset?”
“It wouldn’t be according to the Navajo tradition. I’m in favor of trying to do it right or not at all.”
“That’s so,” chimed in Red. “Let’s stick to the Cub motto: ‘Do Your Best.’”
“I’m for that,” Mack agreed. “But how are we going to get colored sand?”
“That’s easy,” declared Dan.
He told the Cubs they might use powdered paints, ground-up flower pots for the red color, table salt for white, and cornmeal for yellow. From library books he already had compiled several drawings from which they might make a selection of design.
“Say, you know all about it, don’t you?” Chips demanded, admiringly. “Let’s elect him Medicine Man, fellows. How about putting him in charge of the sand painting?”
“Sure,” agreed Mack and Fred, glad to turn the responsible assignment over to the capable denner.