Edmund Youngbird (NC, 1922-1995), Cherokee Chain and Serpent Basket

Eastern Band Cherokee, single weave rivercane with butternut root dyes, of bulbous rectangular form with round rim and a squared base, cross-brace buttress to the base interior, retaining Qualla Arts and Crafts tag listing the craftworker.

9 3/4 x 10 x 10 in.

Private Collection, Greensboro, North Carolina

Edmund Youngbird was one of the few male basket weavers in the Cherokee community. Born in the Wolf Town community on the Qualla Boundary, lands owned by the Cherokee people, Edmund's grandmother, Sally Ann Stamper, and his mother, Lizzie “Nannie” Youngbird were both weavers of baskets and taught "Eddie" the tradition. Edmund was one of four boys, sons of Lizzie and Saughee Youngbird, growing up in the 1930s during the hardship of the Great Depression.

Edmund specialized in working with rivercane, having mastered both the single weave and double weave techniques. Like many Cherokee craftsmen, he entered his work in the annual Cherokee Indian Fair, winning many prizes.

Overall good condition with some minor dust soiling to the interior.