The Nine Lives of Florida's Famous Key Marco Cat

The Nine Lives of Florida's Famous Key Marco Cat PDF Author: Austin J. Bell
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780813066998
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 232

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Book Description
Secrets of an iconic artifact Excavated from a waterlogged archaeological site on the shores of subtropical Florida by legendary anthropologist Frank Hamilton Cushing in 1896, the Key Marco Cat has become a modern icon of heritage, history, and local identity. This book takes readers into the deep past of the artifact and the Native American society in which it was created. Austin Bell explores nine periods in the life of the six-inch-high wooden carving, beginning with how it was sculpted with shell and shark-tooth tools and what it may have represented to the ancient Calusa--perhaps a human-panther god. Preserved in the muck for centuries on Marco Island and discovered in pristine condition due to its oxygen-free environment, the Cat has since traveled more than 12,000 miles and has been viewed by millions of people. It is one of the Smithsonian Institution's most irreplaceable items. In this fascinating account, Bell traces the clues to the Cat's mysterious origins that have emerged in its later lives. Captivating readers with the miracle and beauty of this rare example of pre-Columbian art, Bell marvels at how an object originally understood to hold cosmological power has indeed transformed the people and places around it. The Nine Lives of Florida's Famous Key Marco Cat is the story of a timeless masterpiece of staggering simplicity that has prevailed over impossibly long odds.

The Nine Lives of Florida's Famous Key Marco Cat

The Nine Lives of Florida's Famous Key Marco Cat PDF Author: Austin J. Bell
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780813066998
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 232

Get Book

Book Description
Secrets of an iconic artifact Excavated from a waterlogged archaeological site on the shores of subtropical Florida by legendary anthropologist Frank Hamilton Cushing in 1896, the Key Marco Cat has become a modern icon of heritage, history, and local identity. This book takes readers into the deep past of the artifact and the Native American society in which it was created. Austin Bell explores nine periods in the life of the six-inch-high wooden carving, beginning with how it was sculpted with shell and shark-tooth tools and what it may have represented to the ancient Calusa--perhaps a human-panther god. Preserved in the muck for centuries on Marco Island and discovered in pristine condition due to its oxygen-free environment, the Cat has since traveled more than 12,000 miles and has been viewed by millions of people. It is one of the Smithsonian Institution's most irreplaceable items. In this fascinating account, Bell traces the clues to the Cat's mysterious origins that have emerged in its later lives. Captivating readers with the miracle and beauty of this rare example of pre-Columbian art, Bell marvels at how an object originally understood to hold cosmological power has indeed transformed the people and places around it. The Nine Lives of Florida's Famous Key Marco Cat is the story of a timeless masterpiece of staggering simplicity that has prevailed over impossibly long odds.

The Nine Lives of Florida's Famous Key Marco Cat

The Nine Lives of Florida's Famous Key Marco Cat PDF Author: Austin J. Bell
Publisher: University Press of Florida
ISBN: 081307200X
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 275

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Book Description
Secrets of an iconic artifact Florida Book Awards, Bronze Medal for Florida Nonfiction Florida Trust for Historic Preservation Award for Meritorious Achievement in Preservation Communications Excavated from a waterlogged archaeological site on the shores of subtropical Florida by legendary anthropologist Frank Hamilton Cushing in 1896, the Key Marco Cat has become a modern icon of heritage, history, and local identity. This book takes readers into the deep past of the artifact and the Native American society in which it was created. Austin Bell explores nine periods in the life of the six-inch-high wooden carving, beginning with how it was sculpted with shell and shark-tooth tools and what it may have represented to the ancient Calusa—perhaps a human-panther god. Preserved in the muck for centuries on Marco Island and discovered in pristine condition due to its oxygen-free environment, the Cat has since traveled more than 12,000 miles and has been viewed by millions of people. It is one of the Smithsonian Institution’s most irreplaceable items. In this fascinating account, Bell traces the clues to the Cat’s mysterious origins that have emerged in its later lives. Captivating readers with the miracle and beauty of this rare example of pre-Columbian art, Bell marvels at how an object originally understood to hold cosmological power has indeed transformed the people and places around it. The Nine Lives of Florida’s Famous Key Marco Cat is the story of a timeless masterpiece of staggering simplicity that has prevailed over impossibly long odds.

Lost and Found

Lost and Found PDF Author: Austin J. Bell
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781614938590
Category : Juvenile Nonfiction
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
This is the incredible TRUE story of the Key Marco Cat! The Key Marco Cat is one of Florida's most famous Native American archaeological artifacts. It was discovered on Marco Island in 1896 by Smithsonian anthropologist Frank Hamilton Cushing. The Cat is at least 500 years old and has logged more than 12,000 miles as a museum piece since its discovery.

Marco Island

Marco Island PDF Author: Austin J. Bell, Kaitlin Romey, and the Marco Island Historical Society
Publisher: Arcadia Publishing
ISBN: 1467129887
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 96

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Book Description
There are few places that have undergone a more radical transformation during the past half-century than Marco Island, Florida. Once a pristine tropical paradise with only a few hundred residents, Marco Island is now one of America's most popular island destinations. With a permanent population nearing 20,000--a figure that virtually doubles between the months of January and March--its modern state is largely attributable to the ambitious vision of Florida's "Famous Mackle Brothers." The Mackles, founders of the Deltona Corporation, literally reshaped the island in keeping with their long-term masterplan, capitalizing on the unique history, community pride, and undeniable natural splendor that continue to make it so alluring.

Surfing Florida

Surfing Florida PDF Author: Paul Aho
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780813049489
Category : Photography
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
This book offers a lively and well-researched visual history of Florida surfing--its origins, its people and personalities, its innovations, its deep influence on the sport's international reach.

Key Lime Desserts

Key Lime Desserts PDF Author: Joyce LaFray
Publisher: University Press of Florida
ISBN: 0942084608
Category : Cooking
Languages : en
Pages : 49

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Book Description
A delicious and versatile fruit, the Key Lime is an exotic addition to back yard gardens and a favorite on restaurant menus. Gourmets and novices alike will rave over easy-to-prepare recipes such as Key Lime Drop Cookies, Frozen Key Lime Cake Supreme, and Key Lime Rum Sherbet. Not to be forgotten are variations on traditional Key Lime pie including Black Bottom Key Lime Pie, Mango Key Lime Pie, and Key Lime Ice Cream Pie.

Guy LaBree

Guy LaBree PDF Author: Carol Mahler
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Art
Languages : en
Pages : 268

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Book Description
Guy LaBree’s connection to the Seminole Tribe of Florida began when he was an elementary school student in the 1940s living near the Dania (now Hollywood) reservation in Florida. However, it wasn't until the 1970s that this relationship grew into a creative partnership. LaBree was encouraged by the Seminoles to produce paintings depicting important teachings about their culture, customs, history, and legend as a way of passing on traditional knowledge to younger generations. To do this, he was given unprecedented access to privileged information never before shared with outsiders.

Made in Florida

Made in Florida PDF Author: Art Levy
Publisher: University Press of Florida
ISBN: 0813063868
Category : Humor
Languages : en
Pages : 307

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Book Description
Discover some of Florida’s most fascinating personalities in this entertaining kaleidoscope of interviews. Made in Florida showcases a colorful lineup of notable people who got their start in the state and who have helped make it the unique, diverse place it is today. Hear from Carl Hiaasen and Dave Barry about their weirdest writing inspirations. Discover why Shaquille O’Neal never complains. Find out what happens when Burt Reynolds goes to Costco. Listen to Theresa Manuel’s experiences as one of the first black women to compete in the Olympics. Learn about the lives of Seminole Tribe elder Louise Gopher, pop art painter Romero Britto, NASA senior executive JoAnn Morgan, circus daredevil Bello Nock, football coach Steve Spurrier, state CFO Alex Sink, and Muhammad Ali’s “fight doctor” Ferdie Pacheco. In addition to the widely celebrated, Art Levy introduces many unsung individuals. Meet innovative industrialists like “Chainsaw Al” and dedicated naturalists like “The Shark Lady.” Mingle with a legendary rancher, a civil rights historian, and a commercial fisherman. Marvel at an anticrime crusader, a space skydiver, and a snake-venom enthusiast. These and other stars—many of whom rarely give such extensive interviews—talk family and work, joys and worries, failures and triumphs, dislikes and desires. Levy has thoughtfully selected their words from ten years of conversations. Each person tells a different story of Florida from a perspective all their own. Read on and get ready to laugh and lament, to be surprised and inspired.

Dream Houses

Dream Houses PDF Author: Joie Wilson
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780813035734
Category : House & Home
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
Naples, Florida, is known internationally for its stunning beaches, cosmopolitan ambience, and captivating architecture. Originally settled in the late nineteenth century, the seaside resort town is blessed with abundant historical architecture. One of the Sunshine State’s first "planned communities," the city is consistently recognized as one of the top growth areas in the United States. As a result, the original beach homes, most built between 1895 and 1950, are today threatened by land development and new construction.

An American Beach for African Americans

An American Beach for African Americans PDF Author: Marsha Dean Phelts
Publisher: University Press of Florida
ISBN: 0813059569
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 228

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Book Description
In the only complete history of Florida’s American Beach to date, Marsha Dean Phelts draws together personal interviews, photos, newspaper articles, memoirs, maps, and official documents to reconstruct the character and traditions of Amelia Island’s 200-acre African American community. In its heyday, when other beaches grudgingly provided only limited access, black vacationers traveled as many as 1,000 miles down the east coast of the United States and hundreds of miles along the Gulf coast to a beachfront that welcomed their business. Beginning in 1781 with the Samuel Harrison homestead on the southern end of Amelia Island, Phelts traces the birth of the community to General Sherman’s Special Field Order No. 15, in which the Union granted many former Confederate coastal holdings, including Harrison’s property, to former slaves. She then follows the lineage of the first African American families known to have settled in the area to descendants remaining there today, including those of Zephaniah Kingsley and his wife, Anna Jai. Moving through the Jim Crow era, Phelts describes the development of American Beach’s predecessors in the early 1900s. Finally, she provides the fullest account to date of the life and contributions of Abraham Lincoln Lewis, the wealthy African American businessman who in 1935, as president of the Afro-American Life Insurance Company, initiated the purchase and development of the tract of seashore known as American Beach. From Lewis’s arrival on the scene, Phelts follows the community’s sustained development and growth, highlighting landmarks like the Ocean-Vu-Inn and the Blue Palace and concluding with a stirring plea for the preservation of American Beach, which is currently threatened by encroaching development. In a narrative full of firsthand accounts and "old-timer" stories, Phelts, who has vacationed at American Beach since she was four and now lives there, frequently adopts the style of an oral historian to paint what is ultimately a personal and intimate portrait of a community rich in heritage and culture.