CHEROKEE STAMPED POT
CHEROKEE HISTORY
The Cherokee people have maintained their own unique pottery style for thousands of years. By being located to an abundance of natural resources, and having little conflict, made it possible to settle down in a permanent community setting. This allowed Cherokee artists who were typically female (Fariello, 2011) to focus on their craft of building strong ceramic pieces that could endure for many generations. The population of Cherokee communities span across various states which are now known as Tennessee, Georgia, Kentucky, North Carolina, and South Carolina. However, many artifacts such as pottery during the Mississippian era were unearthed in parts of Tennessee, Georgia, and North Carolina.
CHEROKEE HISTORY
The (1838-39) forced removal of Cherokees living in parts of Tennessee, Georgia, and South Carolina was disastrous to the Cherokee culture, traditional practices, and religion. This horrific event is known as the Trail of Tears when much of the Cherokee community were forced to move westward and adopt a new culture that was much different from their own. Many tradtions that were passed down for thousands of years were thought to be lost. However, there were large number of famillies who chose to run away from the Trail of Tears forced removal and went into hiding into the area that is now known as Cherokee, North Carolina.
20th Century Artists: Revitalization
The Cherokee artists who made it their goal to revilatize the Cherokee art skills and practices resided in what is known as the Qualla Boundary in Cherokee, North Carolina. Cora Arch Wahnetah (1907-1986), who is on the right, was one of these key artists. During the late 19th century, ethnographers and anthropologists were studying Native American communities around the country in an effort to encourage cultural preservation. The practices of Cherokees were studied and admired for their high level of detail and its distinction in their crafts. This infatuation turned towards pottery as well. Programs known as the Qualla arts and crafts were established. Many artists came together to make it their life's purpose to revitalize their cultural traditions and skills by teaching a new generation their unique techniques. Many Cherokee artists in the 21st century are using their traditional teachings and continuing this path; however, they are collaborating with museums to actively promote Cherokee art for the public to learn about.
STAMPING TECHNIQUE
Pottery for the Cherokee served many functions: to be practical and ceremonial. Many Cherokee pots were used for cooking foods, materials, and for storage. What allowed Cherokee pottery to take on its own distinct qualitity was the inclusion of the wooden stamped paddles.
The wooden paddles were carved with distintive symbols that carried special meaning within the Cherokee community. These paddles were pressed into the surface of wet clay in order to leave an indention that would remain after it was fired over an open-fire pit. The symbols would be repeated on the pot in a decorative and beautiful fashion.