‘Grandma Spider/First Fire’

Permanently installed on the Cultural Pathway, Tahlequah OK between the Cherokee Arts Center and Spider Gallery; is this 10’ tall steel and bronze homage to a character commonly called “Water Spider.” Her name in the Cherokee language is ‘Dilsdohdi’ ᏗᎵᏍᏙᏗ which means scissors, the action a particular stocky spider makes with its hind legs to walk on water. She is made of sculpted bronze to look realistic yet surreal, using a little magical realism to bring this important character to life.

The bronze spider peers from a steel web and base over eight feet tall. A red crystal sphere rests in a bronze pot on her back, representing the legendary fire she brought to the mainland. The stylized pyramid base and pierced ring represent the lightning struck sycamore tree that this determined spider swam to in order to collect a tiny burning ember. She brought this ember back to the mainland and changed the world forever with the warmth and light of fire. Some people say this same original fire has been kept burning continuously and still burns in the form of the Cherokee Nation’s “Eternal Flame.” Regardless, the story recognizes ability of the very small to be very powerful through the tiny spider’s achievement and the tiny ember producing epic flames.

Dilsdohdi/ᏗᎵᏍᏙᏗ “Water Spider,” though small and “weak” was the only creature who successfully retrieved fire, while other larger “more important” animals failed. Not only do the small accomplish great things, sometimes they are the only ones who can.

10’ tall x 3’ wide x 2’ deep SOLD to Cherokee Nation

‘Grandma Spider’ is the crown jewel of a larger project titled “Empowerment.” This ideal encompasses inclusiveness and through extension community action. Cherokee legends are filled with the understanding that even the smallest or weakest creature can do the most important things; Grandma Spider and Water Beetle are popular examples. These values encourage communities to include those who may seem small or weak and empower them by recognizing their potential. The same could be said for sustainable community action: small actions over time, “weak” citizens or citizen groups can make permanent change; reminiscent of the Margaret Mead quote, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed individuals can change the world. In fact, it's the only thing that ever has."