Helen Hardin



Helen Hardin (1943-1984) Tsa-Sah-Wee-Eh, Little Standing Spruce, was perhaps one of the most fascinating, complex, and engaging figures in the American Indian art world in the twentieth century. A truly intriguing woman and a preeminent American Indian painter of the twentieth century lost her life to cancer in 1984.  Her painting “Blue Corn Mother” is in the top left hand corner.


Ken Masters



Ken Masters’ pottery and music help to explain the Cherokee mythology of the past and how it is has shaped the views of the Cherokee culture.  His portayal of “Selu - The Corn Mother” is on the right.


 
 

Corn Mother has many names. Among the Cherokee she is called Selu.  When Selu's sons discovered her secret, which was the corn she shook from her body before each meal, they witnessed a mystery they could not understand. Being young, fearful, and ignorant, they resolved to kill their mother, making disastrous assumptions about her power. Knowing she cannot give them wisdom, nor teach them the ways of nature, Selu tells them to preserve the seed corn. They bury her body in the earth, and preserve the corn, which is Her very essence.  Reciprocity, and reverence, are necessary for good relationship with the Earth Mother. Without honor, Her gifts are soon lost. But Selu does not punish - In loving generosity, She offers her children a chance to return to the natural order.



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