Beadworking

After walking a short distance down the serene, winding trail, a visitor at the Oconaluftee Indian Village will be greeted by the pleasant nods and smiles of Cherokee women in native clothing, working diligently on their colorful and ancient tradition of beadwork.

There are two types of beadwork the women are demonstrating. The first type, which is used to decorate the clothing of men and women, is called "scroll work." Traditionally, it is sewn down the sides of men's trousers and around the hems of women's skirts. The women work with flax thread, glass beads and stainless steel needles.

The second type, which is used for making belts, headbands, and necklaces, is called "solid" beadwork. Each bead is sewn one at a time onto the previous bead which allows the thread to pass through the bead twice. Should the belt break, the double threading ensures a clean break, which can be easily mended.

If the visitor happens to be there when one of the women finishes her beadwork, he or she will witness the next step, where she will sew on two strips of buckskin to serve as a tie. Generally it will take three or four days to make a belt.