Carving uses tools to cut or scrape away materials such as wood, stone, bone, or ivory to create a shape or form.

Woodcarving evolved into a true art form among North Carolinians, with works ranging from intricate caricatures and animals popular with the Cherokee and Mountain people to decoys carved by duck hunters along the Outer Banks. The Cherokees held woodcarving in high regard. Traditionally, they took up woodcarving for practical purposes such as making wooden bowls for cooking and masks for use in dances and ceremonial occasions. For leisure, the Cherokees enjoyed carving animals such as bears, deer, and snakes. They used native woods such as walnut, cherry, buckeye, holly, and apple. Cherokee carvings are distinguished by their smooth finish as well as the clear lacquer used to bring out colors and wood textures. Wildfowl decoy carving has been a folk tradition since the middle of the nineteenth century, corresponding to the rise of hunting clubs along the Outer Banks. Learn more about woodcarving in NC.

Stone Carving is one of the traditional crafts of the Eastern Cherokee, you can learn more at the Qualla Arts and Crafts Mutual.

Click on the picture to the left to learn more about Carving.