Cherokee Heritage Trails

Bill Crowe comes from a family of talented, traditional woodcarvers. He carves masks and other traditional pieces, makes flutes and drums, and can talk about Cherokee history. He also plays the traditional flute, and is willing to perform at weddings and other events.

Born on the Qualla Boundary, Bill Crowe was raised by his parents, William H. Crowe and Betty Bradley Crowe. Bill has been carving since childhood, learning from all his relatives including his aunt Amanda Crowe, and his great-uncles G. B. Chiltoskey and Watty Chiltoskey. About five years ago, he began carving flutes.

When he was only seventeen years old, Bill Crowe demonstrated his carving skills at the Smithsonian Institution. Since then he has demonstrated woodcarving at the North Carolina State Fair, the Knoxville World's Fair, the Museum of the Cherokee Indian, the Cherokee Fall Fair, and numerous powwows. He studied history at Brigham Young University and received a history award his freshman year.

Bill Crowe will demonstrate woodcarving, mask making, flute making, or drum making at festivals or for small groups. He is also available to play flute for events and groups of various sizes. The amount of his fee is negotiable, and he is willing to travel anywhere if his expenses are reimbursed in addition to his fee. He provides his own materials and sound system.