The art of Cherokee pottery is not just a way to create utensils or artifacts; it’s a cultural practice rooted deeply in the history and customs of the Cherokee people. This article delves into the age-old artistic craftsmanship that the Cherokees have cherished, nurturing the very beginnings of civilization.
An Overview
Celebrated for their sophisticated designs, the Cherokees have been crafting pottery for about 3,000 years and have passed down the practice through countless generations. The making of pottery among the Cherokee people is often associated with women, who would gather together in groups to practice their craft. The intricacy and innovativeness of Cherokee pottery have been recognized, both as a form of exquisite artistry and a means of documenting historical events and transformations.
The Clay and the Process
The Cherokee took good advantage of the resources around them. Particularly, the rich amount of clay harvested from river banks, known as ‘unole’ in the Cherokee language, was a staple element in the pottery crafting process1.
The pottery-making process was a communal effort. Once the clay was harvested and cleaned from stones and impurities, it was immersed in water for several days until it reached an ideal pliability. The mix was then molded into various shapes by hand, typically over gourd-, basket-, or mold-made templates.
When the formed pottery was dried in sunlight, it went through a process called ‘pre-firing smudging.’ This involved exposing the pottery to smoke, which gave it a robust, earthy color. After that, the pottery was carefully lined up in a pit, the ‘unole adequately’ or ‘placer of clay.’ Dried hardwood was stacked around the ceramics which were then covered with bark and earth, and the fire was ignited.
The Designs
Cherokee pottery was much more than just the creation of utility-based objects. It was an artistic expression that spoke about their beliefs, customs, and history. Each potter had a distinctive style identifiable through the shapes, carvings, and burnishing.
The Cherokees were known for a unique decorative technique called ‘incised decoration,’ wherein patterns were carved onto the wet clay before it was dried and birthed geometric and animal motifs, symbolizing the natural world2.
Later, when the Cherokee pottery embraced the wheel-throwing technology, their artwork started bearing more European influences, reflecting redefined aesthetics and intricacy.
The Significance and Preservation
Cherokee pottery carries a profound spiritual significance. The Cherokees believed that when a person dug clay, they communicate with the earthly elements and imbibe their energy into the creation. While used extensively for daily tasks such as cooking and storage, pottery also held an important place in ceremonies.
Over the years, the art form faced the risk of oblivion during the forced Cherokee Removal in the 1830s. Nonetheless, relentless efforts from eminent potters helped in reviving and preserving this ancient art form, and today, it is one of the most revered elements of Cherokee heritage.
The Artisans and Innovations
Cherokee pottery has seen many extraordinary artisans who have carried the legacy. Anna Mitchell, a Cherokee National Treasure honoree, is celebrated for her contributions in preserving and nurturing the traditional Cherokee pottery.
The present scenario of Cherokee pottery does not merely limit itself to the age-old techniques but has shown adaptability and growth incorporating recent innovations and designs. While staying true to its origins, it charts a fascinating schematic of cultural transition and survival.
Cherokee pottery, thus, provides a textured vista into the Cherokee way of life, entwining ancient traditions with contemporary nuances. It is an art that has survived the travesty of centuries, narrating tales of a glorious past and a resilient community. The pottery bowls, dishes, and vases hold within their delicate clays a tangible piece of Cherokee history, wrapped in the affairs of daily life, brimming with the scent of Hearty Corn Stew or the beans simmering for the Bean Dance – a poignant reminiscence of time.
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