When discussing the culture and heritage of the Cherokee nation, it is impossible not to appreciate the rich artistry that this indigenous tribe has displayed and preserved over centuries. The Cherokee are among the most culturally rich indigenous tribes of the United States, evident in their art, which reflects their beliefs, history, and way of life. The artistry of the Cherokee includes pottery, beadwork, carving, basketry and painting, each of which tells a unique story about their way of life and history.
Art through History
Cherokee art has evolved throughout history. Early artworks included rock and cave paintings, pottery, weaving, and carving. The Cherokee used natural materials such as clay, stone, wood, and animal bones to create these artworks. The patterns and designs often symbolized their spiritual beliefs, historical events, or were merely an aesthetic decoration.
During the dreaded ‘Trail of Tears’ period of forced removal from their ancestral lands in the southeastern United States in the 1830s, the Cherokee faced abrupt and destructive social upheavals. However, their culture and art survived. By adapting to the situation, the Cherokee artists started creating new forms of transitional artwork. They blended their traditional techniques with new materials and methodology, which were gradually incorporated into their work.
In the modern era, Cherokee artwork has seen a revival preserving traditional arts and crafts techniques while coming up with contemporary forms. Both traditional and contemporary Cherokee arts share the same themes tackled, such as the reverence for nature, spirituality, and the importance of community and family.
Pottery: Crafting Earth into Art
Cherokee pottery is one of the main highlights of the tribe’s artistic legacy. Cherokee potters shape vessels by hand from the native clay. These pieces are often decorated with traditional Cherokee symbols and carved while still wet. These symbols often represent the natural elements, spiritual concepts, or tribal legends. Some popular Cherokee pottery symbols include the seven-pointed star, the water spider, and the uktena serpent [^1^].
Basketry: Woven Through Generations
Basket weaving is a skill passed down through generations in the Cherokee culture. Historically, these baskets were functional and used for gathering and storing food. Today, basket weaving holds a much more symbolic and artistic significance. Cherokee baskets often reflect the clan origin, family history, and personal experiences of the weaver. River cane, white oak, and hickory bark are usually used for basket weaving [^2^].
Beadwork: Stories in Strings
Beadwork is another popular form of Cherokee art. It is a significant part of their clothing and ceremonial attire. Using hand-sewn beads, they create intricate designs and patterns that reflect their tribal stories and beliefs. The Cherokee rose and the Trail of Tears are amongst the most common Cherokee beadwork motifs [^3^].
Carving: Creations of Respect
Cherokee carving often focused on effigies and masks used in ceremonies and rituals. Wood, stone, bone, and shell were commonly used materials for their carvings. These carvings often featured animals, which held a certain spiritual significance to the Cherokee, such as the bear, panther, and turtle, symbols from their mythologies and religious practices.
Conclusion
While the materials and styles may have evolved, the traditional themes and techniques of Cherokee art remain largely unchanged. These artworks are a gateway to understand the Cherokee mindset, their stories of perseverance and survival, their spirituality and deep respect for nature. These forms of expressive art have played a vital role in preserving and transmitting their culture and heritage to the younger generations. Modern-day Cherokee artists proudly continue their traditions, ensuring the vibrance and resilience of Cherokee culture echo in their artistry.
Art is not merely a hobby or recreational activity for the Cherokee people, it is a significant part of their identity, it’s a profound connection to their ancestors, a reflection of their beliefs and an endless source of inspiration that resonates with their rich heritage.
References
[^1^]: Cherokee Pottery [https://www.cherokeeamerican.com/cherokee-pottery.html]
[^2^]: Cherokee Baskets [https://www.cherokeenation.com/page/403/cherokee-crafts-cherokee-baskets]
[^3^]: Cherokee Beadwork [http://www.powwows.com/cherokee-beadwork-and-beading-patterns/]