Altamaha

Wood: Cypress
Inlay: Silver, Brass
Dimensions: 26“ H, 18“ W, 3“ D

In the 1830’s, southeastern Indians were forcibly relocated from their native lands to Oklahoma. During this “Trail of Tears,” many white settlers would lime all freshwater supplies in the area, making it impossible for the natives to drink. U.S. Army doctors assigned to the march would test the streams and lakes for palatability. As many of the Creek were unable to read English, knowledgeable tribesmen would leave this design drawn on rocks, trees, or in the sand to denote drinkable water.

When viewed from the front, Altamaha portrays a wolf: the animal that fed upon human carrion left behind. When viewed from each side, it portrays a horse’s head, suggestive of the horses upon which those testing the streams and lakes rode. The center of the carving forms the rain bird, symbolic of the pure water that the Creek needed to survive their long journey.

$900.00

Cayoni