Ancient Images: Center Plaque

Warning: Smarty error: problem writing '/home/aimages/www/includes/smarty/templates_c/default.config.' in /home/aimages/public_html/includes/smarty/Smarty.class.php on line 999

Warning: touch() [function.touch]: Utime failed: Operation not permitted in /home/aimages/public_html/includes/smarty/Smarty.class.php on line 1284
Ancient Images: Center Plaque

Center Plaque

U-DA-NU-TI

Raymond Moose -- Artist

Symbolism

The bronze plaque on the mural was designed to portray a sustainable and highly ceremonial culture that was in tune with the natural forces around it.. The sun was sacred to all American Indians. The turkey feathers represent how these early people depended on wild animals for meat and skins. The role of animals in their myths and dramas placed them into a belief system that recognized their worth through symbols, stories, dance, and ritual. The curvilinear and geometric designs on the left, which are of southeastern style, are the projection of a society that constantly strives for renewal- a society that relates to the circle instead of the straight line. The circle always returns to its beginning. The crystal had ritual meaning and great power to the people of the Southeast. It was used in healing, predicting future events, and other types of imaging. Its use was always on a psychic level. The Magi that used crystals almost always kept them concealed.

Pyramids

The mysteries concerning the pyramids of the world have fascinated scholars and esoteric schools of thought for centuries. The pyramids of Egypt, India, Mesoamerica, and Southeastern America all have distinct meanings that seem to tie into a main theme. In the Southeastern belief system the world was divided into three levels. The underworld was associated with water, underground, and snakes, but foremost, with the unconscious mind - the dark, or shadow self. The middle world was associated with the world of everyday affairs. The upper world was associated with birds and the heavenly bodies, but most of all, with higher consciousness or spiritual awareness. The pyramids were built for ceremonies and the high priest. They symbolize many things, but especially an ascent into higher levels of consciousness. This is also represented by the worship temple on top of the mound.

Character

Ancient southeastern Indians believed that the only true possession that a person owned was his or her character. Character was the glue that held the society together. People took pride in their character and placed it above all other social values. It was second only to the tribe itself. Every so often a child would be born who was given the title U-da-nu-ti. James Mooney, in History, Myths and Sacred Formulas of the Cherokees, states that this title means "man of great soul, heart, or feeling, possessing a personality of warmth and kindness." He would more than likely be a visionary or a dreamer and would be much respected in the tribe.

Clothing

The turban, although not as popular in pre-Columbian times became a main clothing item in historic times. The seven tines on the antler headdress represent the seven clans of the Cherokee. The large beads and the gorget were made from conch and columella shell and were currency to the native people. In the creation myth, the water spider brought the first fire to the people. The fire also represents spirit.

Raymond Moose, Sculptor