Pomo Basketweavers: A Tribute to Three Elders

Produced by David Ludwig. 59 min. Color. 1994. Available as: VHS and DVD Captioned: No Catalog #: 0095 Order this title Sale Price: $250.00 Apply for Discount

The baskets of the Pomo Indian women of northern California are recognized worldwide for their exquisite appearance, dazzling range of technique, fineness of weave, and diversity of form and use. This remarkable documentary provides an in-depth introduction to the history, culture, and basketweaving traditions of Pomo women.

The film shows in detail all aspects of Pomo basketweaving, including the cultivation, gathering, and curing of the necessary native plants; the preparation of the basketry materials; and the patient, painstaking work of weaving a basket. It also chronicles the changes in Pomo basketry after first contact with non-Indians and includes biographical portraits of three renowned Pomo basketweavers: Laura Somersal, Elsie Allen, and Mabel McKay.

"Pomo Basketweavers" is essential viewing in a variety of courses in Native American studies, cultural anthropology, and ethnic arts and crafts. It was produced by David Ludwig.

Reviews

"A film which at long last takes Pomo basketry out of the narrow and confined perspective of technology and places it in the more meaningful context of the overall culture. This is highly suitable for classroom use in a variety of courses in anthropology, the social sciences, arts, and humanities." -- David Peri, Prof. of Anthropology, Sonoma State University

Awards

• "Best Documentary Feature Video," American Indian Film Festival
• Red Earth Native Film Festival Award
• American Anthropological Assn. honoree