Toby Hughes

 

Toby was born in Westville, Oklahoma, located near

the Arkansas border. He was raised by his full-blood

Cherokee grandfather, a member of the Nighthawk

Keetoowah Society, who taught Toby the traditions,

religion and heritage of the Cherokees. At an early age,

Toby began to carve on wood that he gathered from

the forests throughout his homeland. Equipped with

just a knife and the teachings of his grandfather,  he

soon mastered the traditional art of carving. By cutting

away and releasing the images in each piece of cedar or

walnut, he creates carvings that give him great joy and

help him to express his deep-rooted traditions and beliefs

in the old ways of the Cherokee. His creations range from

inches-high figurines with incredible detail to traditional

masks to large statues that measure several feet in height.

This multi-talented artist enjoys working at his cabin tucked

away in the woods near the Illinois River. Toby’s award winning

artwork has been collected by people across the United States

and abroad.He takes  pride in his artwork, craftsmanship and

Cherokee language skills.  He speaks, reads and writes in the

Cherokee language, translates old ledgers and documents.

He is a traditional herbalist believing in healing the old way.

Toby is a registered Cherokee and is Tero-Certified.