Travis Erickson, a Dakota Sioux, is one of the few top carvers practicing the ancient art of quarrying and carving pipestone. As a fourth generation carver, he has quarried his own stone in the ancient spiritual way for over 40 years. His creations have been sold and commissioned world-wide. He has previously been commissioned by the Smithsonian and featured on PBS and other television specials. He is currently employed as a demonstrator at the Pipestone National Monument, Pipestone, Minnesota.

Stanley Buckles holds a degree in history from Millikin University, Decatur, Illinois. He is retired from the State of Illinois. While exploring his own Native American roots, he discovered the art of pipe carving through his friend, Travis Erickson. Believing the art of pipe carving to be an important part of Native culture, both are determined to preserve the dying art for future generations. Price includes shipping.