There are more than 700 baskets in this tiny museum, only a few steps from yesterday’s Lake Tahoe’s dam. Now looking back through my photographs I have to wonder if this was when the geometric squares seed was planted.

The majority of these baskets were made between 1890 and 1940 by Native American Weavers from more than 80 different tribes. They were collected by Marion Steinbach, who since the age of 16 years had had a passion for baskets. As well as purchasing the baskets, she spent time with the native peoples to understand the differences between tribal baskets, to learn how shape effected usage, appreciate the variety of weaving techniques and discover what the patterns meant. In time she became so knowledgeable that she was able to teach others in their weaving techniques, and help ensure that the techniques were not lost and forgotten.

The collection includes ‘utilitarian’ baskets used for fishing, hunting, food gathering as well as the more decorated ones that were used for storage and ceremonial purposes. I have put ‘utilitarian’ in quotes as in my eyes even the plain everyday baskets are highly decorative and works of art.

Native American Geometric Artistry

88 thoughts

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    1. Interesting isn’t it how some things can be found around the world. I am always fascinated to learn if the techniques and styles have developed in parallel or been shared by traders

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  10. Those are lovely. Jo’s comment reminded me that I had one of those toy looms and would make multicoloured striped “things” out of oddments of wool. Not sure what the “things” would ever be useful for, pot holders maybe? Didn’t matter, it was fun.

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  14. Wow! So many lovely designs and shapes, Becky. When I saw ‘weaving’ I thought of the simple loom I used to have as a kid. I had loads of fun with that but this is a whole different skill.

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