Cherokee Traditions: From the Hands of our Elders
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Arts And Crafts: Chief's Heart

Chief's Heart pattern
Chief's Heart pattern

This purse or "shopper" basket was made from rivercane. Although its maker is not known, the form, material, technique, and pattern are typical of Cherokee basketry made between the 1920s and the present. The dark brown color is probably from walnut hulls and the orange from bloodroot, both dyes common to Cherokee makers. The pattern woven into the basket is the Chief's Heart pattern. The drop handles are made from wood separate from the basket. The handle attachments are woven into the basket before the rim is attached.


 

Cherokee Traditions:
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