American Indian Culture and Research Journal

Murv Jacob is a Cherokee painter and pipemaker who, when he’s not at home in Tahlequah, the Cherokee national capital, lives in a world of his own creation. Drawing on the oral tradition of his tribe, Jacob helps words come to life in his vibrant paintings. With color and intricacy, Mr. Jacob introduces Rabbit to Corn Mother. In his art, Jacob meets the challenge of representing a Cherokee worldview, which he often adapts from the iconography of ancient times, with his own unique and modern approach. He has won numerous awards, including Oklahoma Grand Awards, First Place Awards, and Heritage Awards. Jacob’s illustrations grace the covers and pages of many historical novels about Cherokees as well as children’s books, magazines, and videos. He is a joyful presence in Tahlequah, and can be found in the morning in his gallery, painting with tireless energy and talking all the while with those who stop in to say hello and watch the animals take shape. I met with Murv Jacob one July 2000 morning to view the completion of his Bear Dance painting and to hear his thoughts on stories and art. Sean Teuton: Mr. Jacob, you’ve moved around some before making your home in Tahlequah. Is there a place you’re thinking of when you paint? Murv Jacob: Yes, but it’s not necessarily an external place. I’ve spent all my life in the woods, but most of what I’ve been painting these days are the animals from the Cherokee animal stories, and then, sometimes, the Cherokee dances.