Tucked away in the mountain town of Murphy, North Carolina, sits a mysterious relic that bridges ancient history, Cherokee tradition, and local heritage. Known as Nuya Saligugi, or the Stone Turtle, this six-foot soapstone carving is one of the region’s most fascinating cultural treasures.
An Ancient Carving
The Stone Turtle was discovered in an old soapstone quarry near the Nottely River, just a few miles west of Murphy. Soapstone, also called chlorite schist, was widely used by Native peoples for its durability and workability. But this piece is no ordinary quarry find—it was carved into the shape of a turtle, an animal of great symbolic weight in Indigenous traditions.
In Cherokee cosmology, the turtle is often a sacred figure. Across Native stories, the turtle is a symbol of longevity, wisdom, and even the earth itself. For Murphy, this carving ties directly to local lore. The nearby Valley and Owassa Rivers were said to be home to a giant turtle, and the name “Owassa” itself means large turtle in the Cherokee language.
A Name Chosen by the People
When the carving was relocated and preserved, a naming contest was held. The winning entries were combined into the name we know today: Nuya Saligugi. “Nuya” means stone or rock, and “Saligugi” translates to turtle—together forming a fitting title for this ancient sculpture.
A Community Landmark
On January 9, 1982, the Stone Turtle was officially dedicated in its new home in front of the Cherokee County Historical Museum, located on Peachtree Street in Murphy. The move was meant to both protect the artifact and allow locals and visitors to appreciate it more easily. Today, it sits proudly at the museum’s entrance, a reminder of the region’s deep Cherokee roots.
Why the Stone Turtle Matters
Nuya Saligugi isn’t just a stone carving. It’s a symbol of endurance, a physical reminder of the Cherokee who once called these mountains home, and a story passed from one generation to the next. For travelers, it’s a fascinating stop that offers a glimpse into both ancient craftsmanship and enduring legend. For the local community, it stands as a marker of identity and history—a piece of the past that continues to inspire awe today.
So if you find yourself wandering through Murphy, take a moment to stop by the Cherokee County Historical Museum. There, at the entrance, you’ll meet Nuya Saligugi, the Stone Turtle—an ancient guardian still watching over the land of the Blue Ridge.
