The People:
John Julius Wilnoty

John Julius Wilnoty (b. 1940) is an acclaimed Cherokee sculptor and a somewhat enigmatic figure among Cherokee artisans. Known for carvings that display a rich and complex mythology, Wilnoty was completely self taught. He works primarily in steatite, a dark-hued pipestone. His work has been included in many articles and exhibitions, including the Smithsonian Institution. In 1971 his work was shown at Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual, where he displayed 21 carvings on loan from a variety of collections, including the Indian Arts and Crafts Board, Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual, Burgess Indian Museum, and the Medicine Man Craft Shop. His sons, Fred Wilnoty and the late John Wilnoty, Jr. also established themselves as carvers.

Read more about John Julius Wilnoty on the Cherokee Traditions website.