Lena Blackbird facts for kids

Lena Marie Blackbird (born August 23, 1933 – died December 6, 2021) was a talented Cherokee artist from Tahlequah, Oklahoma. She was famous for her special way of making double-walled baskets. Lena was the first Cherokee basket maker to add decorations to the tops of her baskets. She also put vases inside some of her baskets. You could often spot her work by a unique chain pattern on the top of her baskets.

Early Life and Learning Art

Lena Blackbird grew up in Cherokee County, Oklahoma. She was the sixth of eight children in her family. She went to school until the eighth grade.

Cherokee was Lena's first language. This made learning in English at school a bit hard for her. After school, she helped her family on their farm. Her first experience with art was helping her mother sew quilt tops for church missions.

In 1986, Lena started working at the Tsa-La-Gi Village. This village is part of the Cherokee Heritage Center. It was here that she learned how to weave baskets. Other women at the village taught her using commercial reed. Soon after learning, Lena began selling her beautiful baskets.

Lena's Unique Basket Style

Lena Blackbird's baskets are special because she started decorating their tops with acorns. This idea became popular with other artists too. She usually used commercial reed and honeysuckle vines. These materials were different from the traditional natural reeds used by others.

Awards and Honors

Lena Blackbird won many awards for her amazing basket weaving skills.

In 1996, she won the grand prize at the Art under the Oaks competition. This was for the very first basket she entered in a show. In the same year, she received the Cherokee Master Craftsman Award in basketry. This award celebrates Cherokee people who have become experts in traditional Cherokee crafts.

In 1998, Lena was named a Cherokee National Living Treasure. This honor recognized her incredible talent in basket weaving.

In 2001, Lena earned a special award for her honeysuckle basket. This was at the Cherokee National Museum’s Trail of Tears Art Show. She also won first place in the basketry part of the Cherokee Homecoming Art Show. Later that year, she received the Cherokee Medal of Honor. This award is given to people of Cherokee descent who have made important contributions to society.

Lena was honored again in 2004 at the ninth annual Cherokee Homecoming Art Show. Her artwork, called Let Freedom Ring, won first place in the modern basketry section. Only artists who are members of the Cherokee Nation, United Keetoowah Band, or Eastern Band of Cherokees can enter this show.

Later Life and Passing

Lena Blackbird passed away on December 6, 2021. She was 88 years old. She died in Cherokee County, Oklahoma, where she grew up. Lena was buried at Bill Batt Cemetery.