Pomo basketmakers ‘Weaving traditions’

An open house held Thursday showcased the creations by students in a Cultural-Wellness Basket Weaving Class at Lake County Tribal Health.

Approximately 15 students contributed pieces that were on display and were also available for purchase. Heirloom pieces, passed down through families, were also on display.

“I’m very proud of my students,” said instructor Luwana Quitiquit. “These are new students who have now been taught the basics.”

Exhibits included traditional baskets made from native plant materials, ornately costumed dolls and intricate pieces of jewelry.

The class has been continuous for almost seven years and is supported by a grant from the California Area Office of Indian Health Services. Its organizer, Sandy Ellgin, said that the class has been beneficial for its students’ mental health.

Mildred Allman of Round Valley has been with the class four years. She displayed several ornate necklaces of abilone.

Anita Vidrio, a member of the Garbrilino tribe out of the Los Angeles basin said that missionaries had separated her tribe from its culture. She had wanted to learn about those traditions but had no one to teach her prior to joining the class.

“This is wonderful for me,” Vidrio said, adding that she looks forward to making a traditional Pomo cradle. “I have a 50-year-old doll at home. It grew up with me and I want to put it in the cradle.”

Long-time student Donna Gitchell had interspersed her work with baskets created by her mother. The baskets were authentically coiled out of sedgeroot and bulrush.

Students’ work is also on display at the Pomo Fine Arts Gallery among Harbor Village Artists. “Christmas at the Cottages,” a holiday open house, is from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, at 6197 E. Highway 20 in Lucerne. The open house includes demonstrations by several local artists who work in various mediums.

Published in the Lake County Record-Bee