*These are a few artifacts that are displayed on our website. There is much more to be seen when you visit!
Display Cases 1 & 2
Pottery found on Keowee River --- "I found a big pot and 19 pieces of pottery on a sand bar.” –Malcolm Clement, Age 11
Chunkee Stone --- Chunkee, Chunky, Chunkey, Chenco, Tchung-kee or hoop and stick game, originated from Native Americans. This game was played between two opponents. One opponent would roll the stone disc across a flat field while the other would throw a spear as close as they could to the stopped stone.
Cherokee Stickball --- Stickball is the ancestor of the modern game of lacrosse. Ball sticks, made by hand from hickory and a small ball, made of deer hair and hide, are used to hit a target on a large pole. The game was originally played as a means of settling g disputes and was often the last option before war. The name, a ne jo di, actually translates to “Little Brother of War”.
Jerry Wolfe (1924-2018), Beloved Man of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians
Silver Trade Gorget --- Found near Tamassee Town - Made by Robert Cruickshank between 1759-1809 in Montreal, Canada. Believed to have come through the port of Charleston, South Carolina on the trading path.
Stamped Pottery Reproduction --- Traditional Cherokee pottery was made from clay. Paddles carved out of wood were used to apply or “stamp” out a hatching pattern.
Detailed image of stamped pottery pot.
Soapstone Pipe Bowl --- Found at Oconee Town
Pipe Bowls --- Found at Oconee Town
Chattooga Town --- Archeological Excavations—From 1989-1994, the University of Tennessee and the Sumter National Forest conducted archeological excavations at Chattooga Town to develop a better understanding of the nature of the historical Cherokee occupation at the site. This image shows the excavation of the Council House.
Artifacts found at the Chattooga Town site
Display Case: Paleo – 12,000 to 8,000 BC
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Display Case: Archaic – 8,000 to 3,000 BC
Paleo Period --- Man arrives in North America
Paleo Period - Saber-Toothed Cat --- Reproduction
Archaic Period - Spear for Atlatl
Archaic Period - Cooking Stone --- Made from soapstone, this was placed on a hot fire. While sitting in the fire, it absorbed heat (soapstone is known to do this). Once it was hot enough, the Cherokee’s would slide a stick through the hole located in the middle of the stone. They then would set this among their food to cook it and keep it warm.
Archaic Period - How an Atlatl was used.
Archaic Period - Atlatl Weight --- Acts as a counter balance while using it to throw spears further.