The Cherokee have a rich tradition of storytelling and mythology that explains how the world was created and why things are as they are. The following story inspired me to create the bronze buzzard.

In the beginning, the water beetle had lifted the wet earth from the waters and it was suspended by four ropes. The earth was an island in the water and was very wet. Many birds tried to dry the earth, but none were successful. The Great Buzzard flew above the wet earth and flapped its wings every now and then to dry the earth. When he reached Cherokee country, he began to tire and his great wings struck the earth. Where they touched, valleys were created. When he lifted his wings, the mountains were made. The vulture used to have a beautiful top knot on his head, but because he created the mountains he became very prideful and began to boast. Consequently, he was stripped of his top knot and now the vulture is one of the ugliest birds with his bald head.

I made the vulture the way I imagined he would look when he was beautiful and powerful, in all of his glory, creating the North Carolina mountains. I designed a top knot with seven feathers representing the seven Cherokee clans.