Shell Carving

Season 5 • Episode 5

Chickasaw Culture Keepers

Shell carving has been a part of tribal cultures for thousands of years. And Chickasaw shell carver Howard Thompson is doing his part in keeping this honored tradition alive. Using modern tools, Howard sands, sketches, carves and inks the designs on the shells. But what truly sparks his passion for shell carving is connecting to his Chickasaw ancestors. "The lightning whelk shell happens to spin in the direction when we dance during our traditional dances," says Howard. "I look at it as it has a spiritual connection with our ancestors because it connects with our dance." Howard is proud to make something for other Chickasaws that can help connect them with their ancestors as well. As he hones his craft, Howard hopes that the Chickasaw Nation's cultural renaissance continues to thrive.

EPISODES

3m 30s

Shell Carving

EPISODES

Pottery

Stickball Sticks

Beading

Regalia

Metalsmithing

Shell Carving

Weaving

Horticulture

Baskets

Traditional Foods

Quilting

Flutes

Beaded Collars

Drum Making

Storytelling

Bow Making

Brent Greenwood Art

Beaded Jewelry

Flint Knapping

Stomp Dancing

Beadwork

Turkey Calls

Traditional Stories: How Day and Night Were Divided

Woodturning

Bead Artisan

Textile Art

Quilt Making

Jewelry

The Legacy of Bow Making

Bead Artistry

Painting

Woven Mats

Metalworking

Photography

Pashofa

Deer Toe Shakers

Stickball Sticks

Shell Carving

Medicine Bags

Natural Dyes

Twinning

Bladesmithing

Fish Nets

Porcupine Quillwork

Pottery Burnishing

Shell Carving

Duck Decoys

Traditional Arrows

Fine Gourd Art

Traditional Flutes

Turtle Pottery

Turtle Shell Shakers

Pucker Toe Moccasins

Chunkey

Tattoos and War Paint

Leggings and Breechcloths