Each tribe has very distinct patterns that are used in their basketry. This geometric “step-like” pattern is seen often in the crafts of the Tohono O’Odham (formally known as the Papago). The Tohono O’Odham are primarily in the deserts of southeast Arizona.
Traditionally, it was the women of the tribe that made the baskets. Baskets were used as containers for food, vessels to hold medicine or trinkets, and strainers for liquids. Yucca, bear grass, and devil’s claw are most common materials for the Tohono O’Odham baskets. In this photo, the yucca is the light colored background stitch, while the accent shapes are created with devil’s claw.
