Basket c. 20th century

This basket was woven by a member of the Tohono O'odham, or "Desert People," also known as Papago. Basket weaving is an ancient tradition, deeply interwoven with the lives and identities of Indigenous peoples in the Southwest. These baskets embody not just utility, but also complex cultural narratives and artistic expression. The geometric designs are not merely decorative; they echo the landscape, cosmology, and history of the Tohono O'odham. These baskets have served as powerful symbols of resistance and cultural survival. Despite centuries of colonization and forced assimilation, the art of basket weaving has persisted, passed down through generations of women. Weaving is more than a craft; it’s a profound connection to ancestors, land, and community. The emotional and personal dimensions of these creations, made with nimble hands and ancestral knowledge, reflect societal issues of resilience, identity, and cultural continuity.