| |
Altamaha, Woodcarving, circa 1978
Cypress wood, piki shells
Collection of the artist
Photography by Maggie Holtzberg
In the 1830s, southeastern Indians were forcibly relocated from their native lands to Oklahoma. During this "Trail of Tears," many white settles would lime all freshwater supplies, making it impossible to the natives to drink. Army doctors assigned to the march would test the streams and lakes for palatability. As many of the Creek were unable to read English, tribesmen would leave this design drawn on rocks, trees, or in the sand to denote potable water. Look and you can discern a wolf, two horses, and a rain bird.
| |
