Cherokee Indians created pottery for multiple uses.
The Cherokee Indians were forced by the U.S. government to move from their home in the southeast to Oklahoma during the 1800s, a journey which killed thousands of them on the Trail of Tears. The name Cherokee means "speakers of another language," a name given to them by Indians in Oklahoma unfamiliar with their speech. Cherokee traditionally settled near near rivers because of the growth of rivercane, which they used to create crafts for everyday living and for ceremonies.
Pipe Carving
Peace pipes are otherwise known as long calumets, which are smoking pipes. The pipes were created by carving either pipestone, bone, wood or clay. A hole was then hollowed out, along with a bowl for the pipe. Native Americans used the peace pipe during ceremonies because it was considered a holy object that enabled communication between humans and sacred beings.
Rivercane Baskets
Rivercane, plants found along riverbanks in the southeast, was the main material that Cherokee Indians used for baskets. The rivercane was used for creating both single-weave and double-weave crafts. The single-weave was used for mats as well as floor, wall and seating covers, along with large baskets for storage. The double-weave baskets were made for strength and durability. The baskets were mainly used in homes and gardens of Native Americans so they could gather plants, store food, and transport materials. The baskets were also used for ceremonies before they became a trade item.
Pottery
Pottery is just as important as baskets for the Cherokee Indians. Native clay was among the most popular materials for making pots. The pots were originally used for making hominy, carrying water or storing seeds. The traditional pots that the Cherokee Indians made were shaped like people, fish, birds or animals. The Cherokee used paddles, which were made out of either pine or cherry wood, to push air bubbles and water out of the clay. The paddles were also used to create different designs on the pottery.
Beadwork
The Cherokee used shells and bird bones to create their beadwork, along with berries and gray corn. When they decorated their clothing, they utilized teeth, bones and animal claws. Beads were also used to represent certain symbols on the clothing. Among those symbols were a feather, which meant healing power, and a raindrop, denoting plentiful crops.
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