Oklahoma Cherokee Baskets
After the majority of the Cherokee population resettled in Arkansas, Kansas and Oklahoma, their basketry traditions continued in the new environment and adapted to changes in economy and household needs. Major books about American Indian baskets ignored Oklahoma Cherokee basket makers, making it hard for Cherokees in Oklahoma to compete in marketing their crafts. Using Trail of Tears inventory records and various other government reports basket-making evidence is found and discussed. Old photographs help tell the story from past to present.
About Karen Coody Cooper (Palm Beach, Florida Author)
Karen Coody Cooper, an enrolled Cherokee citizen was born in Oklahoma and retired from the Smithsonian Institution. She is author of three history books (Spirited Encounters: American Indians Protest Museum Policies and Practices, Oklahoma Cherokee Baskets, and Cherokee Wampum War and Peace Belts. She is co-editor of Oklahoma Black Cherokees and two other books. She also published two books of poetry and a children's book. She has a Master of Liberal Studies from the University of Oklahoma and taught American Indian studies classes at Northeastern State University (Tahlequah OK) and Western Connecticut State University (Danbury CT). She currently resides in Lake Worth FL.