Ancient Muscogee Tradition That Lives On In Modern Times

This image recalls the annual relighting of the sacred fire, which is an ancient Muskogee tradition that dates back to Mississippian times and continues today in Creek communities.

On top of the central column, a ceremonial ceramic container carries the rekindled fire to renew the hearths of homes. Four logs for the annual cycle are prepared from a single tree, which is thought to be represented by the column.

 In ancient times, this event took place after significant ceremonies associated with Green Corn. Because this ritual was a very serious event, Muskogee medicine makers took great care to prepare the proper songs, chants, apparel, and accessories to ensure a proper ceremony.

The two sacred figures are ceremonially dressed in woven aprons, elaborate sashes with rear trailers, moccasins, shell bead garters, shell bead bracelets, and shell gorgets. Both figures appear to have decorative bustles -  a full vulture on the left and extensive feather work on the right.  Both figures wear specialized headgear, have a beaded forelock, and carry decorated gourd rattles.

Buck Woodard, Associate Researcher
American Indian Resource Center
Department of Anthropology
College of William & Mary

Painted Gourd by Buck Woodard - This iconography originally appeared on a shell gorget from Spiro, Oklahoma.
The original is currently at the Peabody Museum, Harvard College.