Hickory staff

[tnartist05]

I carved this 5ft hickory staff about 3yrs ago with a Indian's Chief's head on the top,finger grips to fit my right hand. Theres a 3 1/2 ft leather band on it which is a Native American Kue that a Cree Indian friend of mine made just for my life story. On the leather Kue which is cut in different patterns which are the paths Ive taken in my life at that point.
Theres stone carvings and bead work plus other symbols through out the leather kue about me as my age, married and have 3 children plus about what Ive acquired and accomplished in my life.

My friend named me Mtn Hawk ( even before I knew I would be moving and living now here in the East Tn Mtns}cause at that point in my life I had no idea I would be living here when he made the kue for me.{ which is strange}

Just thought Id share this walking staff on board.

[Thor]

I was curious about the kue after you mentioned it on another thread. I'm grateful that you showed it to us. I couldn't imagine what it looked like or how it showed the symbols for your life. It is really lovely.

I was once told that if I was ever gonna cut myself real bad, it would be carving hickory. I put the piece of wood down and never picked it up again. Glad to see it can be done so successfully.
Very nice staff.
Thor

[tnartist05]

Thank you Thor!! Theres alot of items on the Kue but heck some Ive forgotten the meaning of ,my friend can talk about it for hrs it seems telling what each symbol means........{{course theres nothing on it about me getting my divorce and moving to east Tn a year after he made it}}...hahaheee
But I wouldnt take anything for this staff! I visit my friend every time I go to Memphis and Ms. He also makes cedar flutes and can play his so beautiful!! Thks again Thor

[knothole]

Thanks for sharing the staff with us I know I enjoyed looking at it. I have two pieces of Hickory that I`m going to carve when I get time. I sure would like to move to East Tn I have friends in Morristown and Newport, that is some beautiful country. Thanks again for sharing the staff....Knothole

[Irishman]

That's a piece of wood a person holds onto...great sentimental value with the story along with it. I would like to try a similar style sometime. Great gift carving for a friend. I'm waiting for the right size of wood to turn up so I can try a story pole...or what is referred to as a totem pole in Native culture. I get a real charge out of carvings that have a story attached to them.

Patrick

[gene-messer]

Wonderful job Tenn .. Great looking colors ....

I always love to look at your work .. you have your own very special way of creating ..

great job ..

Gene

[Lightningbolt]

This is the kind of "personal" art work that I appreciate the most. Several different items used to create a fine staff... and all relating a personal story.

Thank's for sharing this with us "Mountain Hawk" !

[windsong]

Very Very nice job.I am a big fan of Indian things.You did a good job on the painting and the hickory is strong wood it will last for years.Good job.
Vic.

[tnartist05]

Im on up east of Morristown & Newport,Im close to Va and NC.Oh yes its so beautifull in the mtns here. I wish I had lived here all my life. But Im thankfull and appreciate the beauty of this area! ::Thanks Knothole::

[tnartist05]

You are so right Patrick! When you are younger you dont think as much about something being sentimental but when you are older in life certain things mean more to you! I know it does to me now in my life,its past history but now has more value. I have a wooden lamp I made in the 8th grade in shop in school......I gave it to my grandmother who was from Germany. Its good to have the connections to our past. I will post some picts of the 1st totem poles I made,I used chisels carving them. As always thank you Irishman for your good comments.