This site is operated by Cherokee Gadugi of Tarrant County as a chartered satellite, non-profit, non-political organization of the Cherokee Nation. Its mission is dedicated to providing history, culture, heritage, tradition, language, and fellowship to our members who reside outside the Cherokee Nation boundaries.
Martha Berry
Cherokee National Treasure
Martha Berry is a Cherokee beadwork artist who creates beaded art inspired by traditional Southeastern Woodlands Native American tribal beadwork. Mrs. Berry creates bandolier bags, moccasins, belts, sashes, small purses and knee bands, in the styles worn by the Cherokee, Creek, Choctaw, Chickasaw and Seminole, prior to 1840. Also, framed sun circles are offered exclusively through the All Things Cherokee gallery
Her Story
At the age of five, Martha Berry's mother and grandmother began teaching her to use a needle and thread. By age nine, she was making her own clothes, and at twenty, she was a seamstress for a touring ice show.
Born and raised in northeastern Oklahoma to Cherokee/English/Scots-Irish parents, she took her Cherokee heritage largely for granted for many years. In her forties, with her children nearly grown, she began to discover the richness and importance of her ancestors' experience, and turned her skill with a needle to beadwork.
She now divides her time between research and creating beadwork that is inspired by the styles of the Southeastern Woodland Native American Indians. These native Nations include the Cherokee, Creek, Choctaw, Chickasaw, Seminole, Yuchi, Alabama, etc. Her beadwork often illustrates the stories and lore of her Cherokee ancestors, allowing the observer to experience the power of their knowledge and the richness of their experience.
She is a registered tribal citizen of the Cherokee Nation but currently resides outside the nation with her husband Dave, a retired journalist.
Contact
TO PURCHASE BEADWORK, please contact Mrs. Berry by email at mberrybeadwork@yahoo.com.