Southern Appalachian Digital Collections

Western Carolina University (20) View all

Pottery: water jug

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  • This undated water jug was made by Cora Arch Wahnetah (1907-1986), a renowned Cherokee potter who learned to make pottery in the traditional way from her mother, Ella Arch. Typically, she used the coil method to form her pots and paddle stamped them to add a surface design. 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. Qualla Arts and Crafts, the United States Indian Arts and Crafts Board, and the North Carolina Arts Council presented a show of Wahnetah’s work in 1971. Her name is sometimes spelled Wahyahneetah. This pot was left undecorated and, instead, was finished by burnishing to yield a smooth surface.