Celebrating with Baskets

Many Native people today use particular basketry items in traditional ceremonies, and make baskets to be given as gifts. In these ways, baskets are symbols of cultural identity.

Columbia Plateau people exchange baskets filled with roots at wedding ceremonies.

Hopi women in the Southwest fabricate flat basketry plaques as ceremonial gifts.

Hupa weavers in California make baskets for World Renewal ceremonies that ensure the well-being of the community.

In Alaska, high-ranking Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian people wear basketry hats painted with crest designs. The woven rings on top of these hats symbolize wealth and indicate status.

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