Cherokee Museum to present Cherokee Pottery talk on International Archaeology Day

by Oct 10, 2014Happenings0 comments

 

This pot, by EBCI potter Eva Katolster, is in the collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.  This stamped, open-fired pot was made by “Iwi” in 1908, in the Qualla pottery style. (Photo courtesy of Museum of the Cherokee Indian)

This pot, by EBCI potter Eva Katolster, is in the collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. This stamped, open-fired pot was made by “Iwi” in 1908, in the Qualla pottery style. (Photo courtesy of Museum of the Cherokee Indian)

The Museum of the Cherokee Indian will present “Cherokee Pottery: Three Thousand Years of Cherokee Science” on Friday, Oct. 17 at 2 pm.  This talk is part of International Archaeology Day, sponsored by the Archaeological Institute of America.  It is open to the public free of charge, and is suitable for all ages.

“We are glad to be participating in International Archaeology Day this year,” said Bo Taylor, Museum executive director.  The talk will include examples of Cherokee pottery beginning with fiber tempered pottery through the work of contemporary Cherokee potters who have revitalized old techniques.

Barbara R. Duncan, Ph.D., Museum education director, will talk about the art and science involved in Cherokee pottery, providing examples of reproduction pots which participants can examine hands-on.  The talk will cover the fabric-impressed Swannanoa pots of 900 B.C., the shell-tempered pots of the Cherokee Overhill Towns, Mississippian effigy pots and fire pots, and Qualla pottery 1300 A.D. through today.  Beginning in 2003, potters from the Eastern Band began bringing back old styles and techniques, and their work will be discussed as well.

For more information on International Archaeology Day and events around the world, go to www.archaeologyday.com.  For more information on the event at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian, contact the Museum 497-3481 or bduncan@cherokeemuseum.org

– Museum of the Cherokee Indian