The Cherokee Nation has a rich and multi-layered history that spans thousands of years. It is a community that has managed to maintain and preserve its unique cultural heritage despite the numerous challenges faced over the years. Among these enduring cultural traditions is the craft of pottery. Pottery is a powerful symbol of the Cherokee’s connection with their past, their artistry, and the skills passed down through generations. This ancient craft, marked by its distinctive form and function, gives us valuable insight into the Cherokee people’s life, beliefs, and aesthetics.
A Craft Rooted in History
The history of Cherokee pottery dates back more than 3,000 years ago, with the earliest examples belonging to the Qualla Phase (1). This period was characterized by a shift in pottery styles, with the Cherokee starting to experiment with different pottery shapes, decorative techniques, and firing methods. The pottery of this time mainly served utilitarian purposes such as cooking, storage, and carrying food and water.
In the late 18th and 19th centuries, commercial cookware and storage products made their way into Cherokee households due to increased European contact. Consequently, the demand for traditional Cherokee pottery began to decrease. But, the Cherokee people continued the craft, preserving this aspect of their heritage as more than just a functional commodity but as an element of cultural identity and pride.
The Pottery Process
The process of making Cherokee pottery involves a series of intricate steps that require both skill and patience. The clay used for making the pottery is typically obtained from riverbanks and requires thorough cleaning to remove impurities like rocks and sticks.
The cleaned clay is then kneaded and shaped using the coiling technique, a traditional method where long rolls of clay are coiled, and the shape is slowly built up. This is followed by smoothing the coils with a gourd scraper, another traditional tool.
Once the initial shape of the pottery is achieved, it is left to dry for several days. The dried pot is then smoothed and scraped again and adorned with various decorative patterns. These decorations often feature natural motifs like plants, animals, and spirals, remnants of a time when the Cherokee people heavily relied on nature for sustenance and spiritual guidance.
The final stages involve firing and coloring. Traditionally, the pots would be placed in a pit with a wood-fired oven. The fire’s heat would harden the clay and give it a distinct color that varied from pale pink to dark red, based on the firing temperature and clay type. After firing, the pottery could be colored using vegetable dyes such as walnut, sumac, and bloodroot.
Symbolism and Tradition
The act of making pottery is deeply rooted in Cherokee spirituality. The earth, which provides the clay, is seen as a nurturing entity, a giver of life. The fire that hardens the clay is symbolic of transformation and rebirth.
Similarly, the designs carved into the pottery also possess deep-seated symbolic meanings. For instance, the Rattlesnake Jaw design is believed to provide protection, while the Running Water design symbolizes purity, life, and constant movement. Therefore, each pottery piece is more than an object of utility; it is a vehicle of cultural expression and identity.
Modern Cherokee Pottery
Today, Cherokee pottery continues to thrive as an important art form. Numerous Cherokee artisans keep the tradition alive, producing pottery that both adheres to traditional designs and experiments with contemporary styles. Pottery has also become an integral part of Cherokee tourism, with craft markets, exhibitions, and workshops that attract visitors from around the world.
One notable contemporary Cherokee potter is Anna Mitchell, who became the first Cherokee woman to fire her pottery using the traditional Cherokee firing techniques in over a century (2). She dedicated her life to preserving and teaching traditional Cherokee pottery techniques and was named a Living National Treasure by the Cherokee Nation.
Conclusion
Cherokee pottery is a tangible testament to the Cherokee people’s resilience and their commitment to preserving their cultural heritage. Each clay pot tells a story of the Cherokee people, their history, their beliefs, and their unique aesthetic sensibilities. At a time when indigenous cultures worldwide face the threat of disappearing, practices like Cherokee pottery serve as vital lifelines to the past, reminding us of the diverse tapestry that makes up human civilization.
Indeed, pottery is more than a craft for the Cherokee people. It’s a symbol of their identity, a reflection of their rich heritage, and a testament to their tremendous skill and artistry.
Sources:
- “Qualla Phase”. (n.d.). In North Carolina Archaeology. Retrieved from https://archaeology.ncdcr.gov/learn/research/Qualla
- Reed, P. (2002). “Anna Mitchell: Cherokee National Treasure”. In American Indian Quarterly. Retrieved from https://www.jstor.org/stable/4128466