Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians

The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians will produce the exhibition, “Behind the Mask: Cherokee Mask Makers and their Legacy,” to reinforce the significance of Cherokee masks, their history and use, as well as their meaning and significance. The project will focus on 20th century mask makers, with particular emphasis on Will West Long, his son Allen Long, and the Big Cove Dancers who wore their masks. The exhibition will include an interpretive catalog, a school-based learning activity, and a participatory event. All project activities will take place at the Chief Joyce Dugan Cultural Arts Center (CAC) located on the campus of the Cherokee Central Schools in the heart of the Qualla Boundary--land that belongs to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The tribe selected CAC as the site due to its dual role as a community center and school resource.