Categories
Domestic Skills, Traditional LifewaysTribes
Western Shoshone, WashoeVideo Presenter
Allen Mike and Melanie SmokieBasket Weaving
Allen Mike gives a Shoshone language blessing before he and Melanie Smokey begin a demonstration of traditional Western Shoshone willow basket weaving.
The materials need to be harvested with care and intention, and carefully prepared for use.
Willow weaving is a traditional activity that should be approached with a reverence for the plant that gives its life for the making of these baskets.
The Western Shoshone traditionally used the willow plant to manufacture many of their household goods. Melania Smokey demonstrates the skills involved in this process.