The Catawba (people of the river) are a federally recognized tribe of Native Americans, known as the Catawba Indian Nation. They live in the Southeast United States, along the border of North Carolina near the city of Rock Hill, South Carolina.
Although recognized by South Carolina, the Catawba did not receive federal recognition until 1941. In 1959 they petitioned Congress to terminate their tribal status, and tribal landholdings were distributed among the membership during 1962. The final tribal role call of that year gave a population of a little over 600. After termination, many Catawba emigrated to the Choctaw in southeast Oklahoma. After a change of heart in 1973, the Catawba tribal council was reorganized and recognized by the state of South Carolina.
During 1994, the Catawba regained federal recognition after a lengthy court battle.
View H.R.2399 - Catawba Indian Tribe of South Carolina land Claims Settlement Act of 1993.
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Sara Ayers was a highly accomplished Catawba potter who exemplified the major artistic tradition of South Carolina's earliest residents. Daughter of David A. Harris, chief of the Catawba Nation from...
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Ayers discusses the role of her grandfather in her pottery making. Sara Ayers was a highly accomplished Catawba potter who exemplified the major artistic tradition of South Carolina's earliest...
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Ayers tells Cinda Baldwin about the firing process. Sara Ayers was a highly accomplished Catawba potter who exemplified the major artistic tradition of South Carolina's earliest residents. Daughter of...
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Ayers discusses how no two of her pieces are ever exactly alike. Sara Ayers was a highly accomplished Catawba potter who exemplified the major artistic tradition of South Carolina's earliest residents...
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In the late 1990s, the Catawba Nation received federal recognition. Photojournalist and Filmmaker Catherine Bauknight set out to document the revival of the tribe. Her photo essay exhibit at the...
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Sara Ayers talks with Cinda Baldwin about animal figures in her pottery. Sara Ayers was a highly accomplished Catawba potter who exemplified the major artistic tradition of South Carolina's earliest...
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Ayers tells Cinda Baldwin about the tools she uses to make pottery. Sara Ayers was a highly accomplished Catawba potter who exemplified the major artistic tradition of South Carolina's earliest...
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Sara Ayers talks with Cinda Baldwin about animal figures in her pottery. (Part 2) Sara Ayers was a highly accomplished Catawba potter who exemplified the major artistic tradition of South Carolina's...
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Footage from Folklife Resource Center documentation in the late 1980s. Filmed in Nola Harris Campbell's home. Related Links Catawba Cultural Preservation Catawba Cultural Center
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Nola Harris Campbell finishes the outside of the pot by rubbing it with a corn cob. This "blends" the coils together and the pot is ready to cure or dry. Harris also demonstrates "scraping" a dried...
