Tohono O'odham Basketry: An Enduring Tradition

Abstract

This thesis will examine the environmental and sociocultural changes that have affected Tohono O'odham basketry and the reasons how these traditions, although altered, persist today. The Tohono O'odham basketweavers responded to drastic environmental and social changes and created opportunity as they adjusted to the loss of their subsistence resources. Tohono O'odham basketry and basketweavers are a testimony of survival and of the determination to preserve their distinct cultures within our contemporary pluralistic society despite numerous hardships. Tohono O'odham basketweaver's capacity to retain their cultural identity, continue their knowledge of basketry technology and plant materials, and express leadership through partnerships, demonstrates their cultural resiliency. This thesis will: (1) Introduce the environmental causes that contributed to the change in Tohono O'odham basketry material in the early 1900s; (2) Present contemporary issues that challenge basket weavers; and (3) Demonstrate the resiliency of Tohono O'odham basket weavers both past and present.