id_number: ADS-1002-09

last_name: Johns

first_name: Joseph

middle_name: F.

nickname: Cayoni (bad weather)

group_org_name:

Call number: PRJ-1002

address: 7

artist_city: W. Peabody

state: MA

zip: 1960

artist_county:

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business_phone:

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birthdate:

birthplace: South Georgia

ethnicity_1: Creek

ethnicity_2: Scots

religion:

genre: "Turpentine, personal experience narrative, occupational folklife, naval stores"

occupation: "police, ret. military, Indian artist in residence"

education: HS equivalence

date_of_contact: 01/16/05

contact_made_by: Laurie K. Sommers

notes: "Contacted Joseph Johns by phone through referral from his younger brother, Bobby Johns, initially in reference to turpentine research. Conducted interviews by phone and then received handwritten answers to questions about turpentine, and materials on his artwork, by mail. Included is photo of mask for Green Corn Ceremony. Symbolism cannot be revealed outside the culture.

Grandfather Tahoma passed on knowledge on how to make these masks; Joseph Johns is reportedly the last to have this knowledge. Family grew up in South Georgia working in the woods. Has been Indian artist in residence at Peabody Museum, Harvard University. Fellowship Award in the Folk Arts Category, Massachusetts Arts Council, 1988"

keywords: "shaman, woodcarver, Creek ceremonial masks, traditional Creek carving methods, Muskhogean Creek Carver"