Boise Artist Reimagines Mythology for Jaialdi

The Basque Legacy in Idaho

The Basque people began to establish their roots in Idaho during the 1890s, primarily working as shepherds. Over time, their community grew in the Treasure Valley, especially as they fled persecution under the rule of Spanish dictator Francisco Franco in their homeland. This historical context has deeply influenced the cultural presence of the Basque community in Idaho.

Now, just in time for Jaialdi, a Boise native named Miren Asumendi has created a new narrative that brings the Laminak — fairy-like creatures from Basque mythology — into the American story. Her illustrated book, “Laminak Metamorphosis & Flight from Guernika to America,” will be available for sale this Saturday and Sunday at Expo Idaho during the final days of the nation’s largest Basque heritage festival.

Asumendi shared her inspiration, saying, “I thought, there’s only information about Laminak over in the old country. I’m going to bring them over to America. They may not like it here!”

A Journey Through Culture and Art

Asumendi, the daughter of a Basque father and a mother with French, Dutch, and Irish heritage, grew up in the Bench neighborhood of Boise. She graduated from Capital High School and pursued pre-med studies at Boise State University. However, due to the lack of medical schools in Idaho at the time, she moved to the Midwest, studying in Iowa and Nebraska.

After becoming a psychiatrist, Asumendi settled in Louisville, Kentucky, but remained deeply connected to her family history through art. Her creative endeavors, ranging from clothing design to doll-making, were all rooted in her Basque identity and her fascination with supernatural creatures.

“I first really liked angels, and then I switched over to fairies. I found out, probably in some research online, that there are Basque fairies,” Asumendi explained.

In Basque mythology, Laminak are often depicted as seductive beings who smooth their long tresses with a golden comb. Unlike the gossamer wings typically associated with fairies, they are characterized by their webbed duck feet.

A Story Rooted in History

When Asumendi showcased Laminak-inspired art at Jaialdi 2015, attendees encouraged her to create a story around her work. This led to the development of a tale centered on the 1937 bombing of Guernica during the Spanish Civil War, when Franco’s allies bombed the town. In her story, “Laminak Metamorphosis,” a group of Laminak transform their duck feet into wings and flee across the Atlantic.

“I talk about how there are some Laminak that shape their wings more pointed, and they’re the protectors. They’re supposed to go around Guernika and try to mislead the weaponry,” Asumendi said. “[At the end], they end up landing at the Statue of Liberty, but it’s left wide open, because they basically say ‘we’ve arrived, let’s rest and then we can venture out’.”

Personal Touches and New Additions

One of the most meaningful aspects of Asumendi’s project is the cover art. Featuring the Basque flag looming over the Atlantic waters, New York Harbor, and the spires of Guernika at opposite ends, the image centers a green-winged, amber-skirted fairy. The artwork was colored by Asumendi but drawn by her late son Daniel, who passed away shortly after the idea took shape in late 2019.

This year’s Jaialdi booth also includes a Laminak coloring book, which features activities such as a matching game between Basque words and their English translations, as well as “LamiKat” kitty figurines.

A Special Return to Community

As Jaialdi is taking place for the first time in 10 years, with the previous event canceled due to the pandemic, Asumendi knows this will be a particularly special occasion. She looks forward to reconnecting with the community she loves.

“In 2015, my fiancé came with me, my best friend, and my best friend from third grade who still lives in Boise. I got to see a lot of people I hadn’t seen for years,” she said. “I’m really looking forward to it this time!”