The Children's Museum | Collections & Resources

Walking Stick

Walking stick, by Vernon Lopez, Mashpee

Carol Mills chose the walking stick because "it is a true representation of Wampanoag culture and art. It was done by Vernon Lopez, who is an elder in the community. The eagle is a sacred bird to most Indian people. I think that this has significance and deserves respect and value."

Vernon Lopez, who also made the drum, carved this walking stick in 1988. He carved into it many images that are important for the Wampanoag, specifically the Mashpee Wampanoag. Some of the images are described below.

Detail of eagle

The Turtle is carrying the world on its back. Notice that Cape Cod is the part of the world that can be seen.

"The Wolf is an important symbol for the Mashpee Wampanoag, because it represents strength and courage. Like a mother, she cares for and protects her young. She is strong and clever."

In Vernon's words, "the little chipmunk is a part of Mother Earth."

	The wild cranberry and pine boughs encircle the bottom of the walking stick. The cranberry is "one of the old original fruits," and the pine is for long life.

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