Another good find at the thrift store! I found the smaller one a couple of years ago, not labeled, recognized what it was, and brought it home for $1. Yesterday I gave it some company when I found the flat, tray basket at another thrift store, also unrecognized by the managers as Cherokee handcraft, and salvaged it from an ignominious fate -- for $2. A happy pair now that give me much pleasure.
Handmade Cherokee baskets are generally woven from white oak or river cane. The colors are achieved with dyes made from natural sources, such as bloodroot and butternut. Baskets like these have been made by Cherokee craftswomen for tourist sale since the late 19th century in western North Carolina, especially near Qualla, home of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee.
For more on Cherokee Baskets, see here (and elsewhere):
www.bing.com/images/search?q=cherokee+baskets&qpvt=ch...
visitcherokeenc.com/play/art/ 