Chickasaw elder Daniel Worcester is a nationally recognized artist whose colorful knives combine function and aesthetics. Using discarded materials like sterling silver, billiard balls and dominoes to construct his striking handles, Worcester forges the steel blades himself, even in the heat of summer. Worcester's work has won many awards nationwide, but he says that the most important recognition he has received has been from his tribe. He has been inducted into the Chickasaw Nation Hall of Fame and is a past recipient of the Silver Feather award, which honors citizens dedicated to preserving Chickasaw culture. Worcester is also a talented painter and writer, having published collections of poetry.