Two Fine Cherokee Split Oak Baskets, Carol S. Welch and Bessie C. Long

White oak weavers with walnut and bloodroot dyes, the first in bulbous rectangular planter form featuring Peace Pipe patterns beneath a bold chain band, retaining Qualla Arts and Crafts tag listing craftworker as "Carol S. Welch" (12 x 12 x 12 in.); the second with waisted neck and pencil inscribed "Bessie C. Long / 24 Sept 1975 Cherokee, NC" to underside, featuring vertical line patterns between geometric bands (11 1/4 x 10 x 10 in.).

Private Collection, Greensboro, North Carolina

Carol Smith Welch (1940-2023) was the daughter of Helen Bradley Smith (1922-2007), an accomplished Cherokee basket weaver. Her aunt, Eva Bradley, was also a basket weaver. Welch learned to weave white oak baskets by watching her mother and later learned to weave rivercane and honeysuckle baskets from Lottie Stamper in school basketry classes. Her husband, Davis Welch, is a master mask maker. Welch lived in the Big Cove Community of the Qualla Indian Boundary, North Carolina.

Some dust soiling and a few minor surface marks to both; overall good estate condition.