—
TULSA — Cherokee Nation has announced the release of “Building One Fire,” an unprecedented new publication featuring more than 200 Cherokee artworks and more than 80 artists that speak to what it means to be Cherokee.
“Building One Fire” is published by the Cherokee Nation and distributed by the University of Oklahoma Press. The book is on sale for $24.95 and can be purchased at all Cherokee Nation Gift Shops including Cherokee Nation Welcome Center, Kansas, Okla.; Cherokee Heritage Center, Park Hill, Cherokee Nation Gift Shop and Cherokee National Supreme Court Museum in Tahlequah; and Cherokee Gallery, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Tulsa.
“The purpose of this book is to share the patterns of ‘Cherokee lifeways’ so we may achieve our designed purpose to be a happy and healthy people who are in touch with the very essence of our culture,” says Chief Smith. “The images and text in ‘Building One Fire’ are organized around the Cherokee legend, ‘How the Spider Brought Fire’ and were specially designed to communicate the fusion of Cherokee art and philosophy as a teaching tool to be enjoyed by all.”
The celebrated account of “How the Spider Brought Fire” to the Cherokees explains that in the beginning there was no light and warmth, which prompted thunder and lighting to target a hollow tree for fire. This act brought all of the animals together to view the new creation and to decide who would take the new life source across the water to the Cherokee people. Many animals tried including the wise owl and the large, strong bear, but it was the tiny water spider that danced across the water with a bowl spun of silk, lined with mud and attached to her back that brought fire to the Cherokee people. The water spider was able to bring fire to the Cherokees not because it was the biggest and brightest but it was the smallest, lightest and gentlest of all creatures. The water spider continues to carry the mark on its back, which represents the bowl and gift of fire.
The water spider tale and many more are shared in “Building One Fire” where Cherokee art and philosophy fuse to blend a unique interpretation of the pattern of Cherokee life also referred to as “Cherokee lifeways.” In addition, a special ending section celebrates the liveliness of young artists who represent the next generation’s creative Cherokee citizens.
“‘Building One Fire’ represents the great Cherokee story that we strive to preserve and present in its most authentic medium throughout Cherokee Nation and our entire tourism program,” said Molly Jarvis, vice president of Cultural and Public Relations at Cherokee Nation Entertainment, which manages the Cherokee Nation Cultural Tourism Group. “This work is a celebration of Cherokee life. It encapsulates the heart and soul of being Cherokee; our heritage, culture and history.”
“Building One Fire” is a collaborated work by Principal Chief Chad Smith, scholar and author Rennard Strickland and Cherokee philosopher Benny Smith. The book presents a unique look at Cherokee art through the lens of Cherokee philosophy.
To purchase “Building One Fire,” visit a Cherokee Nation Gift Shop or special order “Building One Fire” by calling 456-2793.
