A recent visit led me to Cynthia Griffin of Denver, a quilter who is especially proud of her Cherokee bloodline. She should be -- the Cherokee, part of the "Five Civilized Tribes," have a long and distinguished heritage that continues today. (Thanks to the Brick's North Carolina roots, I've read about the Cherokee commitment to farming and education. They lived peaceably alongside their colonist neighbors for generations, and were greatly respected.)
It's not a simple matter to claim Cherokee heritage. To be considered part of the tribe, you must have documented family lines back at least to the Trail of Tears period.
Wikipedia dates the Trail of Tears, beginning with the Indian Removal Act of 1830, with the “Five Civilized Tribes” affected through 1850. (The Cherokee were removed in 1838.) Native Americans were forced off the land they had occupied for centuries, pack up and travel long distances to their new 'homes,' often in unfamiliar and desolate territory. The ensuing 'relocation' killed many through cold, starvation and sickness.
Let's put it this way -- it was not a proud moment in American history.
One of the ways to celebrate Cherokee history is through the dance, performed in your finest array.
The women's dance is also called the "jingle," for obvious reasons.
Color, embellishments that complement movements, and motifs that celebrate your tribe's history.
And that's exactly what Cynthia Griffin's 'dancing shawl' accomplishes
She says: "The body of the dance shawl is polyester gabardine, with hand knotted nylon ribbons and cotton appliqués applied by sewing machine, using a quilting stitch." Many hours went into its making, including the hand-knotted ribbons, carefully arranged by color. They flow around the dancer's legs as they move.
Notice the eagle? It's especially well done.
Thank you, Cynthia... for sharing your family with us.
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