Canoe-shaped basket Date Unknown

This Canoe-shaped basket was made by an anonymous Pomo artist. It is made of willow, sedge root, bulrush root, and dye. The Pomo were native to what is now Northern California, and their basketry is renowned for its technical and aesthetic virtuosity. Baskets were essential to Pomo life, used for gathering, storing, preparing, and serving food, as well as for ceremonial purposes. The canoe shape of this basket reflects the importance of water and boats in Pomo culture, situated alongside the Russian River. The geometric patterns woven into the basket are characteristic of Pomo design, speaking to a highly codified visual language. As cultural artifacts, Pomo baskets embody the deep connection between the people and their environment. In the early 20th century, Pomo baskets became highly sought after by collectors, which introduced new economic opportunities but also the risk of exploitation. To learn more, look into the history of indigenous art markets, museum collections, and the cultural heritage of the Pomo people.