TAHLEQUAH — Since the beginning of time, people have gained a better understanding of different cultures through art.

The Cherokee Nation recently released “Building One Fire: Art and World View in Cherokee Life,” featuring 200 works from 80 different Cherokee artists.

The hard-bound, coffee-table book was compiled by Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chad Smith, Dr. Rennard Strickland, and Benny Smith.

The trio provide the narrative for the book, which includes an opening message from Chief Smith, teachings from Benny Smith, a Cherokee philosopher, as well as observations from Strickland, an expert in Indian law and an avid collector and authority on Cherokee art.

“It appeared to me a few years ago that there was a need to publish a book that captured the Cherokee way of life through art and history – something that would distinguish southeast art and Cherokee people from other tribal art and cultures,” said Chief Smith. “The idea was something like an art history book that focuses on the Cherokee art style and the historical underpinnings for it.”

The chief said the book is one way to help guide Cherokee youth who are developing their art skills.

“Working with Rennard Strickland and Benny Smith, we were able to take Cherokee art and pull it together with a philosophical framework, so the art teaches a cultural story and transfers cultural attributes,” said Chief Smith.

In his opening message in the book, Chief Smith said each piece of art tells a story about what it is to be Cherokee, and that the designed purpose for the tribe is to be a happy and healthy people. The images are organized according to world view held by the members of the Keetoowah Society, and are described by Benny Smith.

“In that view, the center of the world is the fire referred to as Agayvlge Yigage Atsila – the Ancient Lady – the red fire who is the mother to all of us,” wrote Chief Smith. “It is the one fire we should build. From that fire the white smoke rises to Nitsudunvha, One Who is Always Above, who send to each of us four gifts to develop our minds and spirits. These gifts are brought to us by four messengers from the cardinal directions.”

Artwork in the book is divided into the four directions: north, south, east and west. Each direction is associated with certain colors and attributes. For instance, the color associated with north is blue, and northern attributes are the ability to seek new knowledge, curiosity and intellect. The color brown represents the east, along with the attributes harmony, openness, caring and innocence.

Benny Smith shares his teachings about Cherokee world view and explains the gifts of the four messengers, and how each brings unique gifts to the Cherokee people. Chief Smith said this provides readers a way to examine in more detail the way these cultural attributes manifest themselves within the art.

“Like native people in the past, we are able to use such things as the turning of the seasons to understand ourselves,” wrote Benny Smith. “We can do this because the universe in all its splendor and complexity is reflected within our own beings. The four-point wheel is a symbolic tool that helps us to see the interconnectedness of our beings with the rest of creation. ...The Four Directions concept of the Keetoowahs of the Cherokees sheds a soft but very practical light on humankind.”

Among the 80 artists featured in the book are 11 Cherokee National Treasures. This official tribal designation recognizes and acknowledges the best individual examples of Cherokee culture. National Treasures are selected based on major cultural contributions or a lifetime commitment of perpetuating Cherokee culture.

National Treasures included in the book are Ella Mae Blackbear, William Cabbagehead, Roger Cain, Bill Glass Jr., John A. Ketcher, Anna Sixkiller Mitchell, Jane Osti, Bessie Russell, David Scott, Knokovtee Scott, and Lizzie Whitekiller.

According to Chief Smith, Cherokee art began as a way to personalize tools and weapons, and it was only in the last 100 years that they began using flat art – such as paintings – and sculptures as a means of expression.

“So, it became apparent that what we were working on was not an art history, but how you share culture,” said Chief Smith. “The goal of the book is that people will first look at the pictures, where they will get a glimpse of what is southeast and Cherokee art. After getting this, they will then start looking at the concept of the messengers. The book is really more than a book of art. It is a book expressing the world view of Cherokee life.”

Learn more

“Building One Fire” is now on sale for $24.95, and can be purchased at all Cherokee Nation gift shops, including the Cherokee Nation Welcome Center at Kansas, the Cherokee Heritage Center at Park Hill, Cherokee Nation Gift Shop and Cherokee National Supreme Court Museum in Tahlequah, and the Cherokee Gallery at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Tulsa. Individuals may also special order “Building One Fire” by calling (918) 456-2793.