NA-Cheyenne "Cut Finger"

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Cheyenne, "Cut Finger"-

A number of years ago, following a colon removal surgery, I lay in the hospital and reached a momentous decision for one who was so dedicated to the work ethic, I could not slow down nor back off from the next carving in hopes of sales. I decided to carve for myself and forget the commercial aspect that had governed my carvings for 25 or more years. I vowed to myself to carve for the fun of it; to utilize the pile of "REJECT" wood that I had cast aside as not being suitable for a commercial piece.

This Cheyenne- Cut Finger- was the first first carving made from the defect pile. From top to bottom on the right side is of this board was a vertical grow over of damaged wood including two knots. I carved the Cheyenne warriors front or three quarters front view utilizing the damaged portion as a elongated border to his rear and made feathers of the top. The hand in front has the CUT FINGER which was peculiar to the Northern Cheyenne. When someone close to them

died or was killed, they would cut of the digit at the first knuckle in mourning. The hand Sign language for their Tribe was to extend the left Index finger and then cross it with the right index finger in a sawing motion; hence, Cut Finger.

This is two inch Basswood. Nine inches wide and 43 Inches top to bottom of cull trail.

This carving has been donated to The Native American Youth and Family Center, Portland, Oregon (NAYA). The Center may be able to obtain the equipment (benches, band saw and hand carving tools) so I can teach the Youth to carve. They would need sponsors for this program.

If you like my work and would be interested in helping make this happen email Nicole Maher (nicholem@nayapdx.org), mention you are writing about the Project for Art McKellips to Teach the Youth Carving.

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