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WCU - Cherokee Traditions

Cherokee Indian Fair

  • wcu_cherokee_traditions-651.jp2
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  • This early 20th century photograph shows a scene at the Cherokee Indian Fair, and event that has historically been an important social gathering in the life of the Cherokee community and a significant draw to tourists. First formally established and held regularly in 1914, the fair included carnival rides and vendors of traditional Cherokee food. Performances by the Cherokee people of various talents and skills were another feature of the fair: stickball, singing, Cherokee dances, and demonstrations of crafts like spinning, pottery making, weaving, and basket making. One of the main functions of the fair was to sponsor craft competitions that provided a showcase for Cherokee crafts. A tradition that continues today at the annual Cherokee Indian Fair, the Cherokee display a wide variety of high quality work. The name of the photographer who captured this shot is unknown.

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Cherokee Traditions

Cherokee Traditions: From the Hands of Our Elders is a database of Cherokee art forms, historic photographs, and native language recordings. The images reproduced here are primarily from t...

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wcu_cherokee_traditions-651.jp2