Western Carolina University WCU University of North Carolina Asheville UNCA

Southern Appalachian Digital Collections

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WCU - Craft Revival

Basket: rivercane, purse

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  • Although its maker is not known, the form, material, technique, and pattern are typical of Cherokee basketry. Cherokee basket weavers made baskets for a variety of functions. This purse basket, or "shopper" as it was sometimes called, was taken to market and used to carry purchases. The drop handles are made from wood and were carved separately from the basket. The handle attachments were woven into the basket before the rim was attached. Drop handles are a departure from the handles found on earlier market baskets. Those market baskets were much larger and their rigid handles were woven into the form, allowing the user to carry heavy loads. The purse basket is an indication of changing circumstances in the market. The rivercane was dyed with walnut and bloodroot to give the cane its contrasting colors of brown and orange. The design woven into the basket is the Chief's Heart pattern.

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Craft Revival

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, mountain craftsmen formed the cornerstone of a revived interest in things handmade to create a movement known as the Craft Revival. During the Revival...

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