Cherokee Clothing in the 1700s: with Information from Previous and Following Centuries, by Barbara R. Duncan, has just been published by the Museum of the Cherokee Indian. A fashion show of this traditional clothing will launch the book at 7:30 p.m. Friday October 7 at the Cherokee Fall Fair, in the town of Cherokee. In addition, contestants in the Miss Cherokee pageants will be wearing this style of clothing during their competitions Tuesday through Thursday evenings at the Fair.

“The Warriors of AniKituhwa represent Cherokee dance and clothing c. 1760, a time when our culture was intact.  We had our language, our government, our land base,” said Bo Taylor, Executive Director of the Museum of the Cherokee Indian. “Not only have the Warriors chosen this clothing, but the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians has adopted this to represent our people in the Miss Cherokee pageants, in our advertising, and what we present to the public. Children’s dance groups, the outdoor drama, the Oconaluftee Indian Village, all have adopted this style.  I am proud that the Museum has been the center of this research and the catalyst for a positive change for Cherokee people.”

Barbara Duncan began researching Cherokee clothing in 2005 to assist the Warriors of AniKituhwa represent this time period. “Tracking down this information and finding clues was like being a detective,” Duncan said.  “But it is wonderful to see the Warriors, the Miss Cherokees, and other members of the Eastern Band bring this clothing to life, and wear it so beautifully.”   Duncan is Education Director at the Museum of the Cherokee Indian.  She is the editor of the award-winning Living Stories of the Cherokee and co-author of the award-winning Cherokee Heritage Trails Guidebook, among other publications on Cherokee history and culture. Duncan has a Ph.D. in Folklore and Folklife. She also works on Cherokee language revitalization.  For the complete press release click here.