The Storyteller’s Hands: Carvings And Teachings of Bun Lucas

Santa Rosa Junior College Multicultural Museum spotlight on Milton “Bun” Lucas

Milton “Bun” Lucas (1925-1996), a revered elder of Pomo and Miwok descent from the Stewarts Point/Kashia Pomo community, was a powerful spiritual leader dedicated to keeping his people’s cultural traditions alive. Through Native dance and song, Bun passed on the rich origin stories of the Pomo and Coast Miwok peoples, reconnecting generations to their heritage and ancestral roots.

From a young age, Bun honed his skills as a woodcarver, starting with his grandfather’s pocket knife. He spent his life creating intricate carvings of animals and human figures, selling them at local venues like Midgley’s Flea Market in Sebastopol. His work was mentioned in a 1979 Press Democrat article, showcasing his passion for sharing his culture through art.