Rivercane purse

Basketry is one of the most uniquely identifiable art forms produced by the Cherokee. The harvesting of materials such as rivercane, white oak, and honeysuckle is known to slice and roughen the hands of the weaver. Finely hewn, strong strips are masterfully woven into intricate patterns, making Cherokee baskets some of the most beautiful examples of indigenous functional art in the world. This Eva Wolfe (1922–2004) rivercane basket is a tight, slick, and geometric masterpiece. It is completely rooted in Cherokee traditional artistry and an object of complex mathematical execution.

Exhibition Title: Asheville Art Museum: An Introduction to the Collection
Label Date: 2021
Type: Catalogue Entry
Written by: Annette Saunooke Clapsaddle

• basketry
• Cherokee
• storage baskets