ART

Seminole culture has been manifested on the artist's canvas. Artist Noah Billie, is the most acclaimed of Seminole painters, had a distinctive style and a love of culture which is very evident to anyone who views his works. Wracked by illnesses with origins in Agent Orange-soaked Vietnam, Noah struggled to maintain his strength while producing a significant body of work, much of which is preserved in the Tribe's Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum. He died in the early spring of 2000 at the age of 51, while his first large exhibit was being planned at the St. Petersburg Museum of History.

Paintings by Noah Billie

Basketry

"Sweetgrass" baskets have been made by Seminole Indians for more than 60 years. The wild sweetgrass used in these beautiful, sturdy creations is hand-picked from high, dry areas of the Everglades basin, washed, laid in the sun to dry and sewn together with colored threads. Palmetto fiber is the usual basket base material. The baskets may take many different shapes. Sweetgrass baskets are available at the Marketplace, click on baskets.

Beadwork

The amount of beads worn by Seminole women was a phenomenon to all who saw them. Imagine the amount of stamina it took to conduct daily tasks, which were a lot more vigorous than sitting in front of a TV, while wearing 12 pounds or so of beads!

Dolls

More than just cloth-wrapped palmetto fiber husk stuffed with cotton, the Seminole Doll accurately portrays the clothing and hairstyle worn by traditional Seminole men and women. It is a favorite item of purchase at the many festivals and "powwow" events attended by Seminole vendors. Palmetto fiber husk dolls are available at the Marketplace, click on dolls.