Indians of the Yosemite Valley and Vicinity - Their History, Customs and Traditions by Galen Clark
page 52 of 82 (63%)
page 52 of 82 (63%)
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also many of a more artistic design and finer finish for the
sacred purpose of being burned or buried with their bodies, or that of some relative or dear friend, after death. The baskets devoted to this special purpose are the finest made, but are very seldom seen by any white person, and are not for sale at any price. This finest style of work seems to have been made a specialty by certain of the most artistic workers in each tribe. [Illustration: MRS. JORGENSEN'S COLLECTION OF BASKETS. For the mythical origin of basket-making in the Yosemite see "Legend of To-tau-kon-nu´-la and Tis-sa´-ack."] At the present time, in their more modern style of living, they do not require so many baskets, and the industry of making them is fast on the decline. Some of the old women, however, still continue to make such as are required for their own use, and a few others for sale. Most of the ornamental figures and designs worked into the finest basketry are symbolical in character, and of so ancient an origin that Indians of the present day do not know what many of them are intended to represent. They have simply been copied from time immemorial, with the idea that they were necessary for the complete finish and beauty of the article made. In recent years they sometimes make use of more modern styles of ornamentation, which they see in print. [Illustration: _Photograph by Fiske_. INDIAN BEAD WORK. |
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