Going Back Chiltoskey (1907-2000) in center; two basketmakers may be either Emma Taylor (b. 1920) or Lucy George (b. 1897) at left and Lottie Queen Stamper (dates unknown), far right; at Qualla Arts and Crafts Cooperative, Cherokee, North Carolina. Photograph circa 1937; private collection.
(text from Movers & Makers) A photograph taken at the co-op shows master woodcarver, Going Back Chiltoskey (1907-2000) seated at the center. He began carving at age ten and found comfort in this pastime during his forced attendance at a Cherokee boarding school where only English was allowed. Working in native woods such as cherry, walnut, holly, apple, and buckeye, Chiltoskey made carvings of animal and human subjects. Chiltoskey studied woodcarving at various schools before moving to Washington DC in 1942 to assist with the war effort as a model maker. He eventually returned to North Carolina where he taught carving and influenced subsequent generations of Cherokee craftsmen.
