"Tsalagi and Creation"
Artist: Freeman Owle (Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians)
Location: Birdtown, Qualla Boundary
Materials: Soapstone
Date: 2005
About the Artwork
This intricately carved soapstone sculpture tells the Cherokee story of creation. Every element carries deep spiritual meaning, such as:
- Turtle—represents Mother Earth and the continent
- Owls—messengers from the Great Spirit
- Snake—symbolizes unity and power
- Dogwood flowers—celebrate beauty in daily life
- Feathers—honor the Cherokee’s enduring presence
- Four directions medallion—reflects spiritual balance
The carving shows a medicine man in an owl mask praying for the peaceful journey of a departed chief’s spirit. Ancient designs at the base include a rattlesnake for unity and woodpeckers pointing in the four cardinal directions. A salamander on the turtle’s side honors “the little creatures” vital to creation.
About the Artist
Freeman Owle is a Cherokee storyteller, educator, and carver from the Birdtown community. He began carving as a boy and has spent decades teaching Cherokee history and culture. Owle was honored as the North Carolina Folklorist of the Year in 2001. He also won the Preserve America Presidential Award in 2004.