Cultural Community: Nez Perce
Artforms: Hand Drum Maker, Nez Perce Storyteller and language preservationist.
Residence: North Central Idaho

Bio: Horace Axtell is a spiritual leader of the Seven Drum Religion, the Nez Perce religious practices  he, with others, worked to reintroduce in north central Idaho. This Nez Perce tradition involves drumming and ceremonial songs. The ceremonial objects he creates – drums, pipes, fans, necklaces – are not meant to be art, but rather manifestations of belief, spiritual tools. Horace grew up speaking Nez Perce and learned Nimiipuutimt, the Nez Perce tribal language and traditions from his grandmother. He has committed to memory old tribal songs learned from other leaders. He has given these songs for weddings, root feasts, funerals, Seven Drum services, memorials, and other occasions. Horace loves to teach drumming and drum making to children. It is his way to keep the traditional skills alive and meaningful. Horace used to be one of the few drum practitioners in his tribe, but over the years he has taken on apprentices to pass on the methods and songs.

Honors & Awards: 2000, Master, Idaho Commission on the Arts Traditional Arts Apprenticeship Program
2003, Idaho Heritage Award,
2008, National Heritage Fellowship

For Services Offered, Availability, and Costs, please contact the artist.

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