Born and raised in the Swimmer Branch section of the Qualla Boundary, William Lossiah (b. 1937) is a craftsman of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. His mother, Betty Lossiah was a basket weaver; his father a medicine man. As a child, he avoided…
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 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…
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…
This 1970s photograph, photographer unknown, is of Wahdih "Watty" Chiltoskie (1897-1973), a woodcarver who lived and worked on the Qualla Boundary in western North Carolina. Watty Chiltoskie was the older brother of another well-known Cherokee…