Modern artisans keep Cherokee art alive.
The Cherokee tribe are natives of the Southeast U.S., where they began practicing arts and crafts, from pottery and pipe-making to weaving. They have scattered to other locations now but distinctive artwork remains a part of the Cherokee tradition.
History
Cherokee artifacts dating back to A.D. 1000 have been found in the Appalachian region of the U.S. Early Cherokee made baskets and pipes out of materials found in this region. The U.S. government moved the Cherokee to Oklahoma in the early 1800s, and their art changed with the landscape around them.
Basketry
Cherokee basketry used natural materials.
The Cherokee are known for making skillfully-constructed baskets. Traditional Cherokee basketry used pine needles and rivercane wicker, as well as hickory bark, white oak, and honeysuckle. Black walnut and blood root were used as dyes.
Types of Early Art
Gourd masks were important to the art of Cherokee storytelling as tribespeople would wear them to portray characters. Cherokee potters did not use a wheel or any other moving tools but constructed coil and pinch pots by hand. Cherokee artists also specialized in one-piece pipes made of stone and ceramic, and they carved distinctive marbles out of stone for use in games.
Beadwork
Cherokee beadwork uses common motifs.
Cherokee traded for exotic beads, like abalone shells, and also used their own beads. Cherokee artisans today create bandolier bags, moccasins and purses. One of the most important Cherokee bead symbols is the red-and-black sun circle, which conveys the power of the sun and the ceremonial fire.
Clothing
The Cherokee tear dress for women dates from the Trail of Tears era in the early 1800s, when women owned no scissors, and thus "tore" the dress material from larger calico fabric bolts. The men's ribbon shirt is also calico and features ribbon designs on the front and back.
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