Weaving A Legacy:
The History of Central California Indian Basketry

Exhibit Opening: Thursday, Oct. 17, 2013

Julia Parker and Granddaughter Ursula

The Merced County Courthouse Museum will present “Weaving A Legacy: The History of Central California Indian Basketry” exhibit beginning Thursday, October 17, at 5p.m. From the collection of Merced native Grey Roberts, these one-of-a-kind California Indian baskets showcase the talent and craftsmanship of the weavers from Yokuts, Miwok, Mono Paiute, Kawaiisu, Panamint, Tubatulabal, and Washoe tribes. While the exhibit will focus on the artistry of basket weavers, it will also provide a glimpse of the life and work of the Central California Indians in the late 19th and 20th centuries.

At the exhibit reception, The Tuolumne Band of Me-Wuk Indians will perform opening ceremony and basketweaver Julia Parker will demonstrate the making of California Indian baskets at 5:00 p.m. She is one of the few individuals taught by well-known basketweavers like Lucy Telles, Carrie Bethel, Minnie Mike, Tina Charlie, Nellie Charlie, and Mabel McKay. Since 1960 Parker has worked as Cultural Specialist at the Yosemite Museum, where she demonstrates basket weaving and acorn processing while also interpreting the traditional way of life of the Native peoples. The exhibit will run through February 2014.

Maggie Howard

For more information, please call 209-723-2401. Follow us at Facebook.com/mercedmuseum.
The Museum is located at 21st and N Streets and open Wednesday through Sunday, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
For more information please contact the museum office.
Free admission and Disabled Accessible.