The Art of Washoe Basketry

This large-scale book presents breathtaking Native American basketry made by the Washoe people who have lived in the Lake Tahoe region of California and Nevada for millennia.

This book explores fine art and functional basketry made by Washoe weavers, who are recognized for their intricate and meticulous weaving techniques and complex designs. Drawing inspiration and natural materials from their ancestral homelands, Washoe baskets reflect the deep cultural reverence of their makers for the environment, particularly the sacred site of Lake Tahoe, the surrounding Sierra Nevada, and adjacent valleys. Among Washoe weavers, Louisa Keyser, also known as Datsolalee, is widely regarded as one of the most innovative, important, and famous basketmakers in North America. The book provides a deeper understanding of the cultural, historical, and political contexts in which these remarkable baskets were created, making it an essential read for anyone interested in Indigenous art and culture.