Southern Appalachian Digital Collections

Western Carolina University (20) View all

Cora Wahnetah

  • wcu_cherokee_traditions-530.jp2
  • This Indian Arts and Crafts Board photograph shows renowned potter Cora Wahnetah using a paddle to make a design on a piece of her pottery. A member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, Cora Arch Wahnetah (1907-1986) was also known Cora Wahyahneetah. The photograph was most likely made in 1971 in preparation for an exhibition that included 17 pieces of earthenware pottery. This exhibit was organized by Qualla Arts and Crafts, the United States Indian Arts and Crafts Board, and the North Carolina Arts Council. Wahnetah learned the craft of pottery from her mother in the traditional Cherokee way. She used the coil method to form her pots and paddle stamped them. She was active in cultural preservation, working with the Oconaluftee Indian Village to create authentic pottery demonstrations, and joining Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual artisan cooperative as a charter member in the 1940s.