This October 1968 photograph was taken of Virgil Ledford while he was sanding the neck of a nearly completed wooden giraffe. Virgil Ledford (b. 1940) was born in the Birdtown Community on the Qualla Boundary. He is a member of the Eastern Band of…
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…
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…
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 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…
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…
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…
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…
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…