Cherokee National Treasures: In Their Own Words ed. by Shawn Morton-Cain and Pamela Jumper Thurman (review)

Cherokee National Treasures: In Their Own Words is a beautiful book, both in its physical presentation and in its compilation of the stories and artistry of some of the Cherokee Nation’s most valued citizens. In his introduction, principal chief of the Cherokee Nation Bill John Baker writes that “The Cherokee National Treasure Award was created in 1988 and is given annually to. . . Cherokee Nation citizens [who] have been recognized for their artistic and preservation work” (17). Chief Baker adds that these award recipients “are all actively involved with the preservation and continuation of traditional practices” (17). The ninety-four artists profiled within these pages

have been honored for preserving the traditional artforms of bow making, gig making, pottery, blow gun and darts, basketry, carving, loom weaving, clothing, bow and arrow, flint-knapping, turtle shell shakers, traditional foods, doll making, marble making, stick ball sticks, quilting, mask making, Cherokee language, painting, sculpture, storytelling, and metalsmithing.

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The artists range chronologically from bow maker Alex England, born in 1903 in Peavine, Oklahoma, to Tahlequah basket maker, Rachel Dew, born in 1981. In between are artists whose work is varied and legendary, such as the traditional Cherokee paintings of Cecil Dick, born in 1915, to the nationally recognized and award-winning river-cane flute music of Tommy Wildcat, born in 1972. Reading through these pages provides an instant connection with the art and traditions of a people steeped in a rich heritage, but more importantly, it provides a connection to and an understanding of the people themselves.

The chronological arc is rivaled only by the various skills these artists and artisans employ. Their talents are diverse and many, and they provide a very real continuum between past and present, moving strongly forward into the future. Their production is nothing short of amazing, their skills beyond invaluable. The only omission that I would correct is that I would like to have seen more attention given to the many Cherokee people engaged in the literary arts.

This volume contains full-color photographs and unedited stories and interviews. But this book is much more than a compendium of artists and catalog of art forms. Because we are invited to hear these treasures discuss their artistry “in their own words,” or the stories of their friends and families, we are afforded the rare opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of not only the artists and their processes but also the importance of continuing time-honored traditions and providing a living legacy for the future, specifically for Cherokee people. Cherokee National Treasures: In Their Own Words is a treasure in its own right for its contribution to the artistic and cultural history of the Cherokee people.