Southern Appalachian Digital Collections

Western Carolina University (20) View all

Steel: barbecue fork

  • wcu_craft_revival-5074.jpg
  • This undated photograph, by an unknown photographer, depicts a steel barbecue fork believed to have been made by Arch Miller. The fork handle was made from mountain laurel. Arch Miller belonged to the Western Band of Cherokee Indians and was an honorary member of the Eastern Band. A veteran, Miller worked as a nurse's aid at Cherokee Indian Hospital for many years. Like many returning from World War II, Miller was able to take advantage of training. He studied metalworking with Polish-born smith Teofil Sneigocki. Miller worked at his craft part-time, during off hours from his job at the hospital. His metal shop was located in the Yellowhill community on the Qualla Boundary, where he produced work in both iron and copper. He made a variety of tools, kitchen implements, and decorative items. Miller was known for making the metal armor used by actors representing De Soto's soldiers in the original "Unto These Hills" drama. He was a member of the Qualla Arts and Crafts artisan cooperative in Cherokee.