Berry Basket with Rose Designs, c. 1960
by Elsie Thomas (1912-2007), Klickitat
cedar root, bear grass imbrication, natural dyes, leather loops
9" high x 8" diameter
Elsie Thomas was born on 26 November 1910 in Husum, Washington. Elsie is a celebrated and respected Klickitat basket maker, descended from a family of master basket weavers. The Klickitat people are from Central Washington and Oregon.
Elsie, her daughter-in-law Nettie Kuneki Jackson, and Mattie Spencer Slockish, are considered major keepers of tradition and were responsible for keeping this artform alive in the 20th century. Elsie, along with Nettie and Mattie, co-authored a book titled "The Heritage of Klickitat Basketry" (1982). For Elsie, basket weaving was a way of reclaiming native forms and heritage.
Traditionally baskets of this type were made to pick and store berries. Because they are made of cedar, they resist mold and mildew. In the old days, these baskets were used to carry water and to cook in. When hot stones were dropped into a basket full of water, the water would boil and fish or other food would cook quickly.
Today, baskets have transcended utilitarian object and are now considered great works of art. Elsie made her baskets using traditional shapes and materials such as beargrass and split cedar, and imbricated them with the traditional geometric designs of the Klickitat. Later, she became well known for the use of the rose design in addition to the classic patterns.
Elsie Thomas passed away in Hood River, Oregon on September 1, 2007.
