Hawk Littlejohn facts for kids

Hawk Littlejohn (born June 12, 1941 – died December 14, 2000) was a talented Native American flute maker. He was a member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. He lived in Old Fort, North Carolina, where he created beautiful flutes.

Hawk Littlejohn also worked to keep Cherokee traditions alive. He was an expert in Native American medicine. This knowledge led him to teach at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's medical school. He also advised important places like the Smithsonian Institution. He shared his wisdom with the North Carolina Museum of History.

He wrote articles about Cherokee life, traditions, and medicine. These articles appeared in a column called "Good Medicine" in the Keetoowah Journal. Hawk believed strongly in protecting the environment. He felt that all living things are connected.

For Hawk, the flute was a way to connect the past with the future. He used both old and new methods to make his flutes. He often used wood that was already dead or scrap wood. This was because old wood from nature or old buildings had great quality. He shaped the flutes using a modern lathe. But he burned the holes in the traditional way, using hot steel rods. People all over the world collect and play his flutes. Many flute makers get ideas from Hawk Littlejohn's unique designs. His flutes often featured nature themes and hand-carved details.

Hawk Littlejohn was a father to five children. He had three daughters and two sons. Their names are Sondra Kay, Kimberly Evelyn, Bo Hook Snyder, Joshua Snowhawk, and Beth Risingfawn.

Hawk Littlejohn's Flute Art and Designs

Hawk Littlejohn was known for his amazing flute designs. He often carved animals and symbols into his flutes. These carvings made each flute a unique piece of art. His flutes are admired for their beauty and the stories they tell.

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  This is a very rare "Bird of Prey Flute" made by Hawk Littlejohn in 1996. It shows carved "Bird of Prey" and "Rattlesnake" designs.

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  A close-up of the "Bird of Prey Flute," showing a carved head that looks like a bird of prey.

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  This image shows the carved Rattlesnake Totem on the "Bird of Prey Flute."

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  Here you can see Hawk Littlejohn's signature on the "Bird of Prey Flute." It also has a snake totem and mountain-pattern leather wraps.

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  This is a "braided sweet grass" design. It's an artistic symbol on the "Bird of Prey Flute."

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  The bottom end of the flute. It shows one of the "Four Directions" holes and a round ebony inlay with turquoise in the center.

Films Featuring Hawk Littlejohn

Hawk Littlejohn was featured in a film about Native American flute players.

• Songkeepers (1999, 48 minutes). This film was directed by Bob Hercules and Bob Jackson. It was produced by Dan King. In the film, five famous traditional flute artists share their stories. They talk about their instruments and songs. They also explain the role of the flute and its music in their tribes. Hawk Littlejohn was one of these artists. Other artists included Tom Mauchahty-Ware, Sonny Nevaquaya, R. Carlos Nakai, and Kevin Locke.