This photograph, made for the Smithsonian Institution's National Anthropological Archives around 1888, shows how Cherokee families caught fish in the region's fast-flowing rivers. Before the hunt could begin, the Cherokee first constructed a fish…
This photograph shows a Cherokee potter, Mabel Bigmeat Swimmer (1925-1991) demonstrating at the Oconaluftee Indian Village. Located on the Qualla Boundary, lands belonging to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, the village features recreated…
In this photograph, which is part of a series of four, Cherokee basket weaver Martha Ross demonstrates how to prepare white oak for making a basket. After cutting and curing, the oak tree is quartered before the maker begins the process of making…
Lottie Queen Stamper (1907-1987) is one of Cherokee's best-known basket weavers. In this undated photograph, Stamper is shown carving an interlock handle for a white oak basket. Born in the Soco community to Levi and Mary Queen, Lottie Queen first…
Lottie Queen Stamper (1907-1987) is one of Cherokee's best-known basket weavers. In this undated photograph, Stamper is shown carving an interlock handle for a white oak basket. In the background are several rivercane baskets in the double weave…
This early 20th century photograph shows a scene at the Cherokee Indian Fair, and event that has historically been an important social gathering in the life of the Cherokee community and a significant draw to tourists. First formally established and…
Helen Bradley Smith (1922-2007) was a Cherokee basket weaver who was proficient in white oak, honeysuckle, and rivercane basketry, including the double weave technique. She also did pottery, beadwork, and finger weaving. Growing up in the Big Cove…
Helen Bradley Smith (1922-2007) was a Cherokee basket weaver who was proficient in white oak, honeysuckle, and rivercane basketry, including the double weave technique. She also did pottery, beadwork, and finger weaving. Growing up in the Big Cove…
This undated photograph was taken of Eva Wolfe signing an exhibit brochure, probably at Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual, an artisan cooperative in Cherokee, North Carolina. Eva Queen Wolfe (1922-2004) was a master basket weaver who specialized in…
This photograph was taken by the U.S. Department of the Interior, Indian Arts and Crafts Board. It shows Cora Wahnetah decorating a hand built pot with a carved paddle. Cora Arch Wahnetah (1907-1986) was a renowned Cherokee potter who learned to…