The Horror Bird of the Illini Indians!
The Piasa Bird is a legendary Native American monster who’s name means “bird that devours men”. It seems to be part bird and part snake, with antlers, scales, a beard, giant frightening teeth and a poison tipped tail. According to legend the creature acquired a taste for human blood during a war between the Illini tribes where he feasted on the plentiful dead laying about the land. Afterward the beast and it’s mate began swooping into villages to carry off children to devour in their caves or to drop them off the cliffs along the sides of the Mississippi.
The legend of the Piasa was first shared to westerners when a French explorer by the name of Father Jacques Marquette saw the image of the beast painted on a cliff face near a waterfall near what is now Alton Illinois. Originally serving as a warning to travelers, this impressive painting has been restored by locals and today is treasured as a historical landmark and can be seen here. Now’s your chance to create your own potential historic landmark or just a giant naked bird, entirely up to you.
Our Judge this week was Mr Eric Smith, one of my favorite Creative Directors of all time, fan of chevrons, serifed font faces, and doubled rules. Long time friend (who’s door hosted the final few months of the in office MBW competitions) and quite possibly one of the most entertaining drinkers that I know (see judges note below). He also has to wear the official badge of only judge to not actually meet the judging deadline… tsk tsk Smith!
A note from our Judge late as he may be Judging is based primarily on how much I think I’d like to drink with the artist. Technical ability be damned.
