Matilda and Karl Pfeiffer museum hosts Native American Day

Native American dancers with the Boy Scouts of America, Order of the Arrow perform Saturday afternoon at the Matilda and Karl Pfeiffer Museum and Study Center in Piggott.
(Times photo/Tim Blair)

[Click to enlarge]

Making a return appearance this year were the Boy Scouts of America, Order of the Arrow dancers from Chaffee, Mo. The group performed a variety of dances and set-up an authentic Native American teepee and village site on the grounds of the museum.

Among the dancers performing were several national award finalists from Troop #4248, including: Nick Crump, who took a top 10 spot in traditional dance; Cory Crump, who took fifth in old style dancing, and Brent Wesst, who took third in straight dance.

Also returning this year were flint knappers Dr. Trent Lamb and David Flannery, along with archeologist R.W. "Dub" Lyerly from Ash Flat. Lamb and Flannery stayed busy crafting artifacts for those in attendance and answering questions about flintknapping.

Meanwhile, Lyerly inspected dozens of artifacts brought to the event for identification and spoke to those on hand about the tools used by residents of Northeast Arkansas over the centuries.

PHS art teacher Jerri Tate also was back this year and offered young visitors the chance to make an authentic Native American "Pinch Pot."

The Native American Day is held each fall by the museum in an effort to educate the public and create an interest in the history and culture of the Native Americans that occupied Clay County.

The museum also is home to an extensive collective of Native American artifacts, most gathered locally by the late Laws Cargill.

Those who want more information on the museum may call them at 870 598-3228.