The Cherokee Trader opened its doors to vacationers visiting the Cherokee Indian Reservation in 1964. Since that time The Cherokee Trader has offered a diverse selection of quality merchandise - from the finest locally crafted jewelry and art, to a wide range of clothing from T-shirts to outerwear.
 Native clay is used in making pottery. The clay needs to be worked and worked so that not  even a grain of sand is left. Any imperfection in the clay, such as the errant grain of sand, will cause the pot to explode in the firing. Traditional pottery is made mainly using the coil method; the wheel tends to be used sparingly. Patterns can be made using a wooden paddle or may be carved into the clay. Each potter has his or her own paddle patterns. There are also universal patterns—such as End Of The Trail or Stairway To Heaven. Joel Queen, Darrin Bark, Harold Long and The Big Meat family are some of most famous local potters. Their beautiful work can be purchased at The Cherokee Trader.
Basket - making is the craft that the Cherokee are best known for. This art has served the Cherokee people both in a utilitarian way but also in ways that have allowed them to share their art through the various patterns and shapes that are unique to their tribes’ baskets. Road to  Soco, Chief’s Daughter and End of the Trail are just some of the names used to describe these baskets. Baskets are made using all natural plant dyes. Walnut, yellow root, blood root, sassafras and butterfly roots are just some of the plants that help create the baskets rich earthy tones. Baskets are made from river cane, maple, white oak, honeysuckle, wild hemp, willow and bar...
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