Their Heritage Their Tradition: The Resilience of Native American Basket Artists Paperback – June 17, 2024

In 1880 when the railroad to Los Angeles was completed, it introduced Americans to the vast territory of the Southwest and Southern California. Spearheaded by the Arts and Crafts Movement in the East travelers were introduced to Native American Basketry. Baskets adorned many homes, were exhibited in Museums and promoted by events like the Chicago Worlds Fair. The depression, followed by the economic downturn in the 1930s brought an abrupt end to this period. In the years that followed it seemed that baskets were no longer made. The authors research with a new generation of native basketmakers highlights their lives, why they weave and the complexities related to gathering materials. Read more