Visit the Museum of the Cherokee Indian on Saturday, Feb. 10 for a day of fun cultural activities celebrating the Cherokee month of Kagali, known as the “Hungry Moon.” Activities are free of charge, sponsored by the Museum and the North Carolina Arts Council. This month’s free workshops include making a clay medallion necklace with a traditional stamped pattern, making a paper gorget, learning to shoot a blowgun, and learning traditional dances. Activities are appropriate for all ages and will be happening from 11am – 4pm. Everyone is welcome. Museum members receive free admission and a discount in the Museum Store.
To celebrate the Hungry Moon, Harold and Nancy Long will be sharing information on Cherokee plants and gardening. They raise seeds for heirloom varieties like flour corn, beans, squash and pumpkins. One of the varieties of beans is called “Lazy Housewife Bean.” Cherokee horticulture began more than 5,000 years ago, when they domesticated wild plants like goosefoot (chenopodium), a relative of quinoa.
“We hope that people will come and bring their families to enjoy the day and immerse themselves in Cherokee culture,” said Barbara R. Duncan, Education Director at the Museum. “They can meet Cherokee people who know a lot about their traditions, who really enjoy talking with visitors.”
Throughout the day, Cherokee arts and crafts will be demonstrated in the Lobby. Jerry Wolfe, Beloved Man, will be carving sticks for the Cherokee stickball game. Richard Saunooke will be making moccasins and wampum belts. Michael Crowe will demonstrate copper work from the Mississippian period.
Cherokee storytelling at 3pm will feature Kathi and Leroy Littlejohn, telling stories in English and Cherokee language. They have told stories at Colonial Williamsburg and throughout the Southeast. Leroy is a member of the Cherokee Language Consortium, helping to preserve Cherokee language.
Schedule:
11 am—4 pm Demonstrations— EBCI Beloved Man Jerry Wolfe, Richard Saunooke, Michael Crowe
11 am Pottery Workshop with Jarrett Wildcatt
12 pm Music and Dance with Cherokee Friends
1 pm Blowgun workshop and contest with Sonny Ledford
2 pm Pottery Workshop with Jarrett Wildcatt
3 pm Cherokee Storytelling with Kathi and Leroy Littlejohn
Info: 497-3481 ext. 1003 or go to www.cherokeemuseum.org
– Museum of the Cherokee Indian
