Pocket-Sized Elephants

In response to Dancing Elephants Photography January Prompt — Elephants

I did see a real elephant once — I believe I even rode one! But I was quite young and don’t remember it, though I’ve heard stories. It was some sort of Shrine Circus event, I think (but please don’t quote me).

These days, I have only small elephants made of clay, metal, plastic, and wood. I cannot ride them. I keep them on shelves in my home.

My little elephants have stories, too, and I remember most of these well enough to share.

The golden elephant came from a Yankee Swap one Christmas. The adults in my family do this every year, with the caveat that each item must be used and cost less than $5 (it can also be something you already have in your home). In a Yankee Swap, participants have the opportunity to trade gifts with someone who has already opened theirs, and I traded for this golden elephant! It was perfect for my collection.

The three ebony elephants came from Ten Thousand Villages, a fair trade shop that helps small artisans bring their work to a broader market. This reminds me that I also have a beautiful hand-painted elephant card from Ten Thousand Villages, which my brother gave me on a birthday one year. I framed it and placed it next to the golden elephant, beneath my terrarium. I should have included this in the photo!

My son made the clay elephant in his kindergarten art class. He was so proud of himself, and he LOVED sculpting with clay. He was in public school at the time and had an art teacher whom he loved. Sadly, she left the following year. But we always have our lumpy, joyful elephant.

The smallest elephant (the little gray plastic guy in the front) came from a jungle themed Polly Pocket that I had as a child. My sister and I adored our Polly Pockets. We had houses and shops, jungles and arctic scenes. I remember the feeling of holding the small parts and imagining their earnest little lives and adventures. The elephant is named Eggbert, if I remember correctly.

Lastly, the silver metal elephant is also a bank, and I have no idea where it came from! Maybe from my husband’s family? Maybe from my grandfather’s house? This is the mystery elephant of my collection. I should hide something intriguing inside…

Another elephant worth mentioning who didn’t make my photo is Elmer, the patchwork elephant. Do you know him? If not, I highly recommend you read his moving story, transcribed by David McKee.

Thanks to Vidya for the fun prompt. You taught me to look at my elephants’ trunks, and I believe there is some prosperity and longevity headed my way.

Who else has an elephant to share?