Cherokee Clan Star Earrings. The Cherokee clan Stars are inlaid with Wilma Mankiller Pearl Shell. I was blessed to have ᎡᎵᏔᎻ ᏗᏍᏚᎢᏍᏗ Don Duggar of the Cherokee Art Center meet with me to tell me about the Mankiller shell. He guided me through the history, and taught me about how this Cherokee treasure from the rivers near Tahlequah are used by Cherokee Artists. Don was taught and mentored by Cherokee National Treasure, ᏥᎨᏒT Knokovtee Scott.
 
In 1988, the Cherokee Tribal Council passed a resolution renaming the purple shell mussels found in the area the Mankiller Pearl Shell - after then, The great Principal Cherokee Chief Wilma Pearl Mankiller. I am going to use this beautiful treasure in more of my metalwork and silversmithing. Thank you Don Duggar for introducing me to shell carving. Wado ginali. Please support Don's important work if you visit  the Cherokee Art Center in the heart of the Cherokee Nation. Don is protecting this Cherokee heritage of Mankiller Pearl Shell art. - Marcus E. Williams, Cherokee Silver Arts. Hand made in Tahlequah Oklahoma.
 
These earrings are hand crafted of .925 Sterling silver and inlaid with Wilma Mankiller Pearl shell. Highly polished. Approximately 1 inch tall and .75 inch wide. Made by hand on order. Allow 1 week to make. Since they are hand fabricated by myself, some slight variation may occur. A Certificate of Authenticity is included. Photos can be provided before your set ships...
 
Wado, Marcus