This undated photograph was taken while Amanda Swimmer was demonstrating how she fires her pottery. She fires outdoors using wood in the tradition of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The youngest of 12 children, Amanda Sequoyah Swimmer,…
This undated illustrated chidren's book titled "Possum's Tail" is written in the Cherokee syllabary. An English translation is provided at the end of the story. While the Cherokee language has been spoken for thousands of years, its written form is…
In this video interview, Karen George, a Cherokee artist known for her doubleweave baskets and beaded finger weaving, explains how she puts a part of herself in each piece that she makes. Particularly her woven belts are popular among men who dance.…
With Cherokee as his first language, Tom Belt’s life work consists of spreading the gift of the Cherokee language. In this video interview, Belt gives background into the development of the Cherokee syllabary created by Sequoyah. The transcript…
In this video interview, Cherokee carver Sylvester Crowe recalls from his childhood bow and arrow shooting as a social activity for the community, rather than for hunting as it was for his ancestors. He carves his bows and arrows primarily out of…
In this video interview, Cherokee artist John Ed Walkingstick demonstrates how he makes the most of what he has in life and takes only what he needs for his carving. His careful selection of materials for ceremonial pipes and bow making are rooted in…
In this video interview, Kim Bottchenbaugh, Cherokee bead worker, incorporates symbolism in her choice of colors and patterns. These symbols illuminate much of her culture, such as the role her clan played in the village, the meaning of her family…
In this video interview, Jerry Wolfe, Cherokee artist and stickball player, cherishes the life lessons to be found in the traditional game of stickball. For Wolfe, stickball brought people together and built community. The transcript provided is an…
In this video interview, Cherokee artist Joel Queen shares his interest in how art grows as culture grows. He aims to keep Cherokee tradition alive through the work of his hands. The transcript provided is an unedited version of the video.
Fred Wilnoty, a self-taught Cherokee stone carver of ceremonial peace pipes and staffs, finds inspiration through spending time in nature. In this video interview, Wilnoty explains that his carvings bring out what is meant to be seen in the stone.…