On that faithful day in 1990 when the Spirit of Thomlokom stepped onto the porch of the cave every member of the group was in disarray except one, Gary Morgan. It was not so much that he had consumed less of the spirits than the others but more because he has unique artistic talents with the ability to trap and hold visual concepts in his mind.  Anyway, Gary pictured the Spirit as he spoke to the confused and intoxicated group and retained the image to later commit to canvas. The remainder of the group has never questioned the rendering, as in their condition who can state if he is correct or not. So Gary’s drawing has been designated the official emblem of the High Desert Pygmies and will be forever imprinted on the minds of the original group and mentally transferred through this image to those who come afterwards.

The spear carried in the right hand indicates the desire for peace while always being prepared to resist injustice. The Ribbon is rotated to designate whatever cause is in vogue at the time. The container carried in the left hand denotes the need to always have liquid on your person, in whatever form, while roaming the desert. The hair combed in this fashion provides shade for the head and body when out in the heat of the sun. The clothing is held to a minimum because of the heat and worn low in the stomach area to prevent crotch rash; notice the break on each side of the leg for ventilation, speed and breeding opportunities. No shoes were worn as the pygmies were of slight build and needed to grip the sand with their toes when fleeing larger animals or enemies.

When traveling the desert a mental image should be retained of this rendering as the concepts it portrays could mean the difference between life and death. Thank you, Gary Morgan, for your insight to stay alert on that most significant day and provide us this symbolic representation of the “Great Pygmy.” Spirit.