Cherokee Phoenix And Indian Advocate Vol. Cherokee National Craftsmen Awards project was begun in1988 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.
Cherokee artist inspired by Cherokee artists, grandfather Cherokee artist Harry Oosahwee knows and admires the works of Willard Stone, Cecil Dick and Bill Glass, and is following in their footsteps. Perhaps someday, he said, through his stone carvings, his name will be placed among theirs when Cherokee artists are talked about. Many, many years ago when the earth was still cold and dark, animals, birds and insects would all communicate, and there was no fire. The animals saw the Indians needed fire to cook and warm with.