Few pieces of tribal artistry are as visually captivating as
the iconic neck knife of the eastern woodlands. For this year’s CLF fundraising
auction, two of the nation’s top artists have teamed up to produce a truly
outstanding example that’s destined to become a treasured heirloom.
Master
cutler and CLA charter member Charles Wallingford hand-forged this knife from 1084
bar stock. Typical of the legendary Wallingford knives, the blade is razor
sharp and sports a rich patina. The handle is crafted from dyed whitetail
antler, beautifully accented with a hand-cast pewter bolster and an end cap of
sterling silver.
Wallingford’s
blade is accompanied by a stunning custom sheath by Bill Wright, one of the
nation’s top quill and beadwork artisans. The body of the sheath is hand-crafted
from brain-tanned deer hide, which was dyed using a period-correct walnut hull
bath. Wright’s artistic talents are on full display on the face of the sheath,
which is adorned with a breathtaking quillwork pattern inspired by the
traditional tribal arts of the eastern woodlands.
To the
artists, this fine donation is for a good cause. “The CLA,” explains Wright, “has
been an excellent vehicle to promote the contemporary artists throughout our
country who have demonstrated their love of our history. They have used various
mediums to recreate the past relating to the 17th and 18th century and the CLA
has brought forth these works of art and helped shine a light on those
creations.”
For more information on the work of artists Charles
Wallingford and Bill Wright, contact the artists directly:
Charles Wallingford: cwknives@aol.com
Bill Wright: wrightsgarden@hotmail.com
Copy and photos supplied by the CLF.
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