The Rising Creek
State of the Arts
A serious problem is robbing Native Americans today as they contend with fraud and loss of income while unscrupulous dealers cover the country, selling fake "Native American" arts and crafts as authentic.
For tons of information on how to discern true Indian pieces from fakes, see Contemporary Issues About Native American Art.
Suggestions listed under "Tips for Consumers" include:
Source: By law, any item sold as Indian or Native American-made, must be the creation of an individual who is a member of a state or federally recognized tribe or tribally certified as an Indian artisan. Ask the seller to certify that the item was Indian made.
Dealer: Buy from an established dealer who will provide a guarantee of authenticity.
Documentation: Obtain a receipt that includes all pertinent
information about the value of your purchase.
Also check out Buddy Tubinaghtewa's page to find ways of determining Hopi fakes and imitations.
Many such sources are listed. Become aware before you buy.
Back to the Creek
The Creek are part of the Southeast Culture Area, and include some Alabama-Coushatta who joined with the Creek Confederacy. Because the Creek were the most widespread and powerful of the Southeast tribes, they are often considered representative of the typical Southeast Indian way of life.
Located between the English, Spanish and French settlements, the Creek played an important role in colonial affairs--most often allied with the British. Some joined the British aiding their victory during the French and Indian War of 1754-63. Others joined the British and suffered defeat in the American Revolution of 1775-83. However, frequently they hedged in their support in order to play white powers against one another.
Life Ways
The Creek lived in fortified towns, or talwas. Each town was home to 100-2,000 people and was autonomous. The Creek Confederacy was governed by consensus. Unity came from the Great Council composed of leaders of each talwa. Each talwa had two leaders: a civil chief, or micco, who received matters relating to peace and matters of custom and ceremony, and a war chief. The micco was a person who had achieved great honor and, therefore, had the trust of the people. The war chief advised the micco on matters of war. Another group, the "second men" advised the micco on public works, and a third group, the "beloved old men" helped to guide the micco.
A stone wall with garden space on each side of the inside wall surrounded the talwa, and each had a town square at its center. Each family had a
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