Southern Appalachian Digital Collections

Western Carolina University (20) View all

Mask: hornet's nest

  • wcu_craft_revival-6771.jp2
  • This undated mask, made by Cherokee artisan Davy Arch (whose first name is sometimes seen spelled Davey), is fashioned from a hornet’s nest with an added leather strap. Different types of masks were traditionally used in Cherokee culture for a variety of ceremonial purposes. Today, masks are still used in ceremonial dances. The images depicted on masks include a variety of animals, often bear or deer, as well as variations on the “booger” mask. Artisans also make masks depicting the seven Cherokee clans.