Southern Appalachian Digital Collections

Western Carolina University (20) View all

Basket: rivercane, tray

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  • It is not known who made this undated damaged rivercane tray, although it is typical of Cherokee basket weaving style. Traditionally, trays such as these were used to store foodstuffs and household goods. A complex technique mastered by accomplished Cherokee basket weavers, the double weave makes for a tight basket. Some double weave baskets can even hold water. This basket was woven from rivercane that was dyed using walnut for the brown color and bloodroot for orange. Intersecting diagonals of color form a pattern known as Flowing Water.