By Curt Wheeler
Guest Writer
The Cherokee Homestead Exhibit in Hayesville came alive with Cherokee Indian demonstrations, dancing, music and storytelling on Saturday, Sept. 17.
Eastern Band of Cherokee Indian artist and storyteller Davy Arch provided stories and explanations of Cherokee culture. Melvena Swimmer, provided examples and demonstrated how to make pottery in the style passed down from her grandmother, North Carolina Heritage Award winning Cherokee and beloved woman Amanda Swimmer.
Singer and leader of the Cherokee Traditional Dancers J.R. Wolfe, Jr. said, “I really appreciate being given the opportunity to share our culture with people outside the Qualla Boundary. This festival allows us to do that.”
When not entertaining, the dancers demonstrated wood carving, finger weaving, metal work, bead weaving, basketry, moccasin-making, blowgun techniques and hand-built pottery.
Hayesville’s, Dan Hollifield captivated attendees throughout the day with his flute-playing. Darry Wood illustrated starting a fire from scratch, river cane blow-guns using wood and thistles as arrows for hunting and unveiled his new wood sculpture of a Young Cherokee Hunter funded by Davy Arch for permanent display in Moss Memorial Library. Lamar Marshall exhibited and discussed historical trail maps from his years of mapping and research of ancient Cherokee trails of the region.
Children with the help of Dr. Jane Eastman, Jessica Dixon and Sky Harmon enjoyed making a beaded necklace, bracelet, anklet and trying out a blowgun which they could take home as a festival souvenir no blowgun injuries reported.
Mountain True western regional staff Callie Moore and Tony Ward provided information about native plants during the festival and escorted walks in the Cherokee Botanical Sanctuary.
The festival was organized by the Clay County Communities Revitalization Association. Appreciation is given to Clay County Historical & Arts Council, Clay County Lion’s Club, Historic Hayesville, Inc., Take A Break Portables, Tiger’s Store and David Smart and Vickie Ware for photography and many volunteers. .
Next year’s event is scheduled for Saturday Sept.16, 2023. Put it on your calendar. This is a free event, but to help offset costs you may make a donation by mailing your check to CCCRA, PO Box 1533, Hayesville, NC 28904 or visit our website: www.http://cccra-nc.org. You will receive our thanks and a receipt for your tax-deductible gift.