Yokuts Baskets: Baskets


Yokuts Baskets California Indians have made baskets for thousands of years. Local materials such as grasses, roots, ferns, and young shoots were used. Baskets were used in ceremonies, but they were also used for practical purposes – cooking, winnowing trays, serving vessels, cradles, and dozens of other uses. California baskets have evolved over the years as pieces of artwork. Baskets made by the Yokut Indians and Mono Indians of California are considered some of the best baskets in the world.
		Fourth Gambling Tray
	I’ve learned the art of making baskets from my ancestors and elders and have been making baskets for over 25 years, using traditional materials and patterns. I dig my own materials, as they can’t be bought anywhere. Each year it becomes increasingly more difficult to find the native materials needed to make my baskets. There are two basic weaving techniques – coiling and twining. The coiling technique is used for these baskets.
My Fifth Gambling Tray
The baskets shown here are called gambling (or gaming) trays. They are large flat baskets with slightly upturned edges. They were used for a type of dice game played by women. The dice, generally created from the half-shell of the black walnut, were thrown onto the gambling tray. The games were said to sometimes last several days and nights without interruption.
		My Third Gambling Tray
	I use the same traditional materials my ancestors used: the roots of sedge and bracken fern, the shoots of the redbud and deer grass. The geometric patterns have been used for hundreds of years - rattlesnakes, water skimmers, flies, human figures, quail, and geese in flight. I am honored to have my baskets sought by collectors throughout the world. My baskets speak for themselves, taking ten to twelve months to complete a single basket. Collectors value my artistry and the effort involved in creating these works of art. Weavers with the knowledge to collect and process the materials and then create these baskets are very few.
Third Tray Nearly Done
Price: Accepting Orders Now Please, serious inquires only. Those truly interested can contact me for special orders. Note that I do specialize in large gambling tray baskets that take nearly a year to make. Once someone places an order, you will have to wait a year before I can start another basket. In other words - first come, first serve.
		Basketweaving Demonstration
	The shape, colors, and geometric patterns are negotiable and will determine final cost. Bear in mind that you are getting a basket from a master weaver that takes nearly one year to complete. I will provide references and any other detailed information you require.
Second Gambling Tray

Yokuts Baskets

Price: Accepting Orders Now