LIVING NATIONAL TREASURES CHEROKEE MASTER CRAFTSPERSONS
Cherokee Living National Treasures/Master Craftsmen are designated by the Cherokee Nation and the Cherokee National Historical Society, also known as the Cherokee Heritage Center.
The nominating committee is comprised of artists, educators, and other community representatives. Selection criteria evolved over a period of time from varied philosophies, interpretations and knowledge of committee members.
The current committee is comprised of Hastings Shade, Thelma Forrrest, Bessie Russell, Noel Timothy Grayson, Lena Blackbird, Lorene Drywater and Al Herrin, all Living National Treasurers; and Aaron LeMaster, Linda Vann, Carol Dunn, Choogie Kingfisher and Sammy Still.
The Living National Treasures/Cherokee National Craftsmen Awards project was begun in 1988 to honor Cherokee artisans who have practiced and perfected the technique of a craft considered to be a part of the traditional Cherokee culture. Culture is the entire way of life, including customs, beliefs, institutions and artifacts.
The goal is the revival, preservation and perpetuation of Cherokee cultural practices that may be lost in the passage from one generation to another. In addition, the project archives and perserves the knowledge, techniques, heritage and commitment received from Cherokee artists and craftsmen, and develops cultural education and preservation programs based on their knowledge and experience.
The project was begun as a result of the Lost Arts Project, which began in 1988 as a consortium of artisan and non-artisan individuals representing the community and institutions, including the Cherokee Nation, the Cherokee Heritage Center and Northeaster State University.
Primary emphasis is given to those crafts produced in "the traditional manner using native materials." The crafts may include gigs, bows and arrows, basketry, stone marbles, blowguns, water drums, turtle shells, flint knapping, stickball sticks, traditional clothing, doll-making, shell jewelry, pottery, pipe making, hand and loom weaving, stone and wood carving.
Some of the criteria for selection includes recognition in one's community as being skilled and knowledgeable in a traditional craft; particpation in educational presentations, currently or in the past; and the nominee must have practiced the craft for a minimum of 10 years.
In certain circumstances, special equipment in producing crafts is allowed, such as tools for cutting, clamping and sanding in making shell jewelry, knife making, bows and stick ball sticks. The use of sewing machines is permitted for traditional clothing, such as tear dresses, ribbon shirts and pucker-toe moccasins.
