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• Pomo artist
• Late 1800s
• Plant fiber, feathers, clam shells, and abalone shells
• Gift of Mr. Hugh J. Smith, 1953.847

The Pomo are renowned as the finest weavers among all the North American tribes. They carefully collect and prepare plant materials and the colorful feathers of birds such as the woodpecker, meadowlark, and mallard to use in their baskets. These baskets were exchanged as gifts or used in ceremonies. For instance, a newborn girl would receive a fully feathered basket from her maternal relatives and gift it to her mother-in- law upon marriage. Baskets serve as an essential item in the life of the Pomo people.