Music has an inherent power that transcends cultures, boundaries, and time. It is a universal language that speaks to the soul. One of the captivating sub-genres is the Cherokee music, a chief cultural pillar of the Cherokee Nation. This article takes a deep dive into Cherokee music, exploring its origin, significance, the instruments used, and its re-emergence in modern times.
Origins of Cherokee Music
The earliest Cherokee music can be traced back to the Cherokee Nation in Southern Appalachia. Mother Earth and the power it holds has significantly influenced its creation. One of the most common themes of Cherokee songs is the appreciation of nature. This aligns with their spiritual belief of interconnectedness, where life in all forms (human, animal, plant) is interconnected in a web of life and death[^1^].
Cherokee songs were oral traditions passed down through generations. They were not just entertainment or artistic expressions — they also served as historical records of the tribe’s culture and experiences. These songs encapsulate the core tenets of the Cherokee way of life, inspiring community, unity, and teaching the younger generation about their heritage and religion.
Instruments of Cherokee Music
Cherokee music is primarily vocal, accompanied by traditional instruments. The most common include, but are not limited to:
The Drum: The drum is considered sacred in Cherokee culture, believed to mimic the heartbeat of Mother Earth. It is leveraged in different shapes and sizes. Some have a hard framework, covered on one or both sides with animal skin.
The Flute: Often crafted from river cane, elderberry, or cedar wood[^2^]. This instrument is associated with a popular legend wherein a woodpecker taught the first flute player, Shei-shu-ta-na, how to play by hollowing out the branches of a cedar tree.
Rattles: Made from turtle shells or gourds. These are filled with special items like pebbles or seeds and can create spiritual music that guides the rhythm of the dance.
Significance
Music served a functional role in the Cherokee society. There are songs for almost every aspect of life, from birth and death songs, to healing and hunting songs, or songs for festivals and ceremonies[^3^]. This crucial role of music as a medium of expressing emotions and teachings helps bind the Cherokee community.
Music is deeply entwined in their spiritual practices, with specific songs used to invoke the spirits or offer prayer. It underpins their spiritual belief that everything is interconnected. Each song carries a specific spirit, and when sung, invokes or summons that spirit.
The Modern Renaissance of Cherokee Music
Modern Cherokee artists have infused traditional Native American themes with modern elements, creating a unique blend that stays true to its roots while inviting a broader audience. This blending of old and new harmoniously captures the essence of Cherokee music, preserving its traditions while nurturing a fresh perspective.
Artists like Tommy Wildcat and Wade Blevins are renowned for their work in this area. Tommy Wildcat has combined new-world musical elements with traditional flute music to create a unique Cherokee sound[^2^]. Meanwhile, Wade Blevins fuses hip-hop with nuances of traditional Cherokee music, using contemporary words and beats while also using the seven Cherokee syllables.
The resurgence of Cherokee music beyond the nation has helped to amplify Cherokee culture and heritage, fostering cultural exchange and broadening understanding.
Conclusion
In closing, Cherokee music is much more than melody and rhythm — it is a medium to express sentiments, experiences, spiritual beliefs, and the rich heritage. Intertwined among the lyrics, melodies, and instruments lie the core values of Cherokee people: unity, respect, and reverence for the natural world.
A beautiful tapestry of history and culture, Cherokee music is a vibrant and dynamic art form that continues to evolve while firmly holding onto its rich traditional roots.
Sources
[^1^]: Mooney, James. “Myths of the Cherokee.” Explorations in the Cherokee Nation. Gibson Brothers, 1898.
[^2^]: “Native Artists United.” Interview with Tommy Wildcat. Cherokee Nation, 2014.
[^3^]: Perdue, Theda. Cherokee Women: Gender and Culture Change, 1700-1835. University of Nebraska Press, 1998.