About the Art: Me-Wuk Basketry
The Sierra Me-Wuk were located in the Yosemite area, with Central groups utilizing the northwest portion of what is now Yosemite National Park. Me-Wuk means “people” or “Indian people.”
Artist Dharma Barsotti says, "Being thoughtful of our surroundings, I thought that honoring some of the original artwork of the area would be appropriate. With that in mind I used basket weaving patterns created by the Miwok People to connect us to the creativity of this land."
Central Sierra Me-Wuk Basketry
The Central Sierra Me-Wuk occupied several permanent villages, located on ridges near small creeks or natural springs. These settlements were located at an elevation of about 2500 feet just below the heavy snow line. During the summer people went into the high country and established seasonal camps where food could be gathered and game was abundant for hunting. The tribes were comprised of 100 to 300 people.
Villages had several types of structures. The basic home unit was a conical bark house built on the ground. It contained a fire pit with a smoke hole in the upper portion. The Chief’s house was much larger because he hosted dinners and other events. Religious and social activities required a larger ceremonial roundhouse. A sweathouse was a small shelter built on the ground with a fire pit and was used for healing and preparation for deer hunting. Acorn granaries were built to store the Me-Wuk’s staple food for several years.
Usually the men did most of the hunting and women gathered plants for food and basket making. Young boys played games similar to soccer as well as hand games. Me-Wuk were respectful of their natural environment and had and continue many ceremonial dances and spiritual activities for the purpose of insuring a proper relationship among the environment, animals, and the people.