Baskets made by native groups in inland southern California in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century aregenerally identified as “Mission Indian style.” Coiled basketry was a regional specialty. Although the natural materials used by regional basket makers were less diverse than those employed in basket-making traditions elsewhere in California, baskets made by Native Americans in interior southern California are remarkable for their artistic design, craftsmanship, and aesthetic appeal. The color characteristics of juncus and sumac permitted the crafting of unique and beautiful basketry. Regional basketry also embodied important cultural values and orientations of Native American groups in the area.
Earle is a professor in the Department of Anthropology at Antelope Valley College in Lancaster, California. He has carried out ethnographic, ethnohistoric, and archaeological research with native peoples in California and in the Andes of South America.
This program is part of a series of guest lectures offered at no charge by the museum. The San Bernardino CountyMuseum is at the California Street exit from Interstate 10 in Redlands. Parking is free. For more information, visitwww.sbcountymuseum.org.
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