Vintage Native American Cherokee Artist S. Hyde Antler and Steer Hide Box

  
Before you is a masterpiece of craftsmanship and cultural heritage: the exquisite treasure box created by Cherokee designer S. This extraordinary box seamlessly weaves together tradition, artistry, and functionality, making it a true heirloom piece that resonates with the essence of Native American Cherokee heritage. The allure of this treasure box begins with the stunning box top, adorned in genuine, supple steerhide that exudes a soft and sleek texture. Elegantly inviting, this box is designed to be opened with grace and intrigue through a skillfully smoothed antler that serves as a distinctive handle, inviting you into its secrets. Crafted from robust, heavy wood, the box is not only a visual marvel but also a tactile delight. The marriage of rich, dark wood and natural imperfections showcases the authenticity of the material, reflecting the true essence of the woods from which it hails. Heavy brass hardware, firmly affixed to each corner of the box, adds a touch of regality and robustness, ensuring that your treasures remain safe and secure within.

Upon opening, the interior delights the senses with plush suede, an embrace that soothes as you explore the contents. Heavy brass fasteners ensure that the soft interior is held in place, a testament to the meticulous craftsmanship that has gone into its creation. Two substantial, genuine antlers gracefully flank the sides of the box, serving both as handles and as homage to the untamed beauty of nature. Their form creates a harmony between the box and the world around it, a visual dance that invites the beholder to partake in their elegance. Hyde, carries the legacy of her ancestors with pride, tracing her lineage back to the Trail of Tears.

Her creation is a poignant reflection of the interconnectedness Native American cultures have with the elements of the earth, the skies, and all living beings. The sterling silver feathers adorning the signature plate, alongside her personal hand signature, serve as a tribute to her heritage and a testament to her artistry. Each stroke of the artist's hand reveals the wisdom of generations, celebrating the balance and harmony that define the world as Native Americans understand it. With roots deeply entwined in the lore of her forebears, S. Hyde channels her legacy to craft a piece that speaks volumes about her unique journey of discovery and expression. This treasure box encapsulates more than just aesthetics; it encapsulates the history, spirituality, and creativity of an entire culture. As you hold this box in your hands, you're holding a piece of history, a work of art, and a tangible connection to a rich and vibrant heritage. It is an embodiment of the lessons learned from the world around us and the wisdom that comes from embracing life's lessons. As I sit here, tracing the weathered lines on my hands, memories of days gone by flood my mind. It was in the early 2000s when I first laid eyes on this treasure box, adorned with the spirit of the Cherokee people, at the Native American Cultural Arts and Jewelry Exposition in Santa Fe, New Mexico. The allure of its sleek steerhide, the way the antler felt beneath my touch as I opened it, and the weight of its presence in my hands-all of it still lingers. Over the years, it became a faithful companion, holding secrets and whispers of the past. Yet, as time marches on, I find myself faced with the difficult decision to part ways with it.

You see, I worry that it's not receiving the attention and admiration it truly deserves. Its beautiful form has been lovingly preserved, with only a handful of minor scuffs that time has etched on its surface. The wood holds those imperfections, a testament to the journeys it has witnessed. And as I ponder its fate beyond my years, a sense of melancholy lingers.

I hope it finds a new keeper who understands its essence, cherishes its history, and continues to carry its story forward with the same reverence that I have held in my heart all these years. This box comes with the original paperwork detailing both the artist who made the piece S. Hyde and the piece itself. Length Across: About 11.5. Front to Back: About 9.5.