Georgia Harris

Georgia Harris (July 29, 1905 – January 30, 1997) was known for preserving traditional forms of Catawba pottery. A member of the Catawba Tribe in South Carolina, Harris was a recipient of the National Heritage Fellowship for her work. Although ranging centuries, the earliest records of the Catawba pottery tradition that have been obtained date back to 1702.^[1] It was this rich history that Harris was responsible for preserving, including during a time period that ranged from the 1930s to the 1960s, when the tradition suffered due to demand.^[1] Beginning when she was 9 years old Harris took a keen interest in pottery, learning from both her mother and grandmother.^[2] As time passed, Harris found herself especially captivated by the pipe-making tradition, later passing down the art to many apprentices.^[2] Harris's legacy in Catawba pottery continues past her death.