Cherokee Heritage Trails

Emma Garrett makes rivercane baskets, the oldest basketry tradition among the Cherokee. Only a few women in the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians still make these beautiful baskets. She collects her own rivercane and dyes it with bloodroot or walnut. She also makes white oak baskets.

Born and raised in Snowbird, the Cherokee community in Graham County, Emma Garrett grew up watching her grandmother Molly Brown make baskets. In the Cherokee tradition, she observed and then "slipped off by herself to figure it out," she says.

Emma Garrett has demonstrated rivercane basketry at festivals in Atlanta, Chattanooga, and Snowbird, and she also travels to powwows occasionally. Her baskets have won first place at the Cherokee Fall Fair. They are sold at the Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual. Her work has been featured in a documentary video: Cherokee Basketweavers. In addition to weaving baskets, Emma Garrett sings with a gospel trio from the Zion Hill Church in the Snowbird community.

Emma Garret is available to demonstrate rivercane basketry, but has less time in the summer because of her seasonal work at the Snowbird Lodge. Call to determine dates and to discuss the amount of her fees. She is willing to travel if provided adequate reimbursement.