Cherokee Beaded Pens
I have the great pleasure of working with Cherokee bead artist Mrs. Ardyth Moncooyea, together we have created a unique heirloom quality writing instrument, to be cherished for generations. We have collaborated to make something truly unique. I strive to select the finest quality local and exotic materials to fashion the pens frame. Then Ardyth painstakingly creates her exquisite beadwork, based on her ancestral traditions, creating a breathtaking result.
Taken from a manuscript prepared by J.P. Evans in 1835:
"There are no natural boundaries to their clans; the subjects of different clans being mingled. Those of the same clan are considered as belonging to the same family. In fact this relationship seems to be as binding as the ties of consanguinity. An Indian can tell you without hesitating what degree of relationship exists between himself and any other individual of the same clan you may see proper to point out. A man and woman of the same clan are not allowed to become man and wife. This appearance of ancient custom is yet prevalent to some extent, and the disregard of it disgusting in the eyes of many."
Cherokee society is historically matrilineal; meaning clanship comes from the mother.
There are seven clans in Cherokee Society: a ni gi lo hi (Long Hair), a ni sa ho ni (Blue), a ni wa ya (Wolf), a ni go te ge wi (Wild Potato), a ni a wi (Deer), a ni tsi s qua (Bird), and a ni wo di (Paint).
To honor the seven clans of the Cherokee, I was invited to fashion seven pens from Oklahoma Aromatic Cedar. Below you will find our collection. We will have the pens on display at the Cherokee Heritage Center in Park Hill, Oklahoma shortly.