Chief's Heart Design

NC22

Note Card

Gerald Dawavendewa (Hopi & Cherokee)

Traditionally each Cherokee town had several leaders. One who oversaw the village's well-being and interacted with other cities and people outside Cherokee culture. Two other leaders were the peace and war leaders; each led the village when the people needed their knowledge and wisdom. All leaders referred to a council of men and women who provided their voice to decide what was best for the people.

This pattern is part of an ancient weaving tradition thousands of years old. The traditional Cherokee homelands in what is now the eastern United States are rich in forests in which Hickory, White oak, cane, and Honeysuckle were gathered and used as the primary materials in weaving. Other plants, such as walnut and puccon root, create various colors. Weaving from plant fibers is for creating baskets and weaving for mats, fish traps, and even clothing.