 | Traditional skill/art/craft: Karuk Basketry Years Awarded: 2012 Contact Information: Phone: (503)493-2526 Email: wreece@karuk.us |
ARTIST BIOGRAPHY
I am Karuk Indian. I have been a Karuk Tribal Council Member for the past three years. I lived in Forks of the Salmon, California until school age and then moved to Arcata, California. I moved all over and came to Happy Camp, California in 1978.
APPRENTICE BIOGRAPHY - Karen L Young-Lenk 2012
Karen L Young-Lenk is Karuk and has been practicing Karuk basket weaving for many years. She learned how to make a Karuk woven ceremonial cap that is worn during ceremonial dances. Karuk basketry uses an ancient form of weaving called twining. She wishes to pass this art form down to her children and teach it to local education programs for the youth in her community. As a Native American she feels she has a responsibility to her people and culture to continue on her traditional art forms for her family and community.
Q+A WITH THE MENTOR ARTIST
Describe your traditional art.
Body
Basket Weaving is done year long, gathering.
How did you come to learn this tradition?
Body
I began taking basket class in 1987 with Grace and Madaline Davis, two elder Karuk sisters in Happy Camp. I became real good friends with Grace. She taught me gathering materials and how to take care of it. It takes a long time to gather, everything has it’s season.
Why is this cultural tradition important to your community?
Body
I was told by my mentor, Grace Davis, that I was to pass on what she taught me, to keep our Karuk culture going. So I’ve been teaching off and on ever since I learned.
There are not many Karuk weavers left. It takes a long time to gather and process your materials before making a basket. Most people today are too busy with jobs, families, computers, text messaging etc. to make the commitment and spend the time to learn to make our baskets. It is becoming a lost skill and art. But, our baskets are a part of who we are as Karuk people.
Experience/Honors
Body
Demonstrations:
Smithsonian, D.C.
Boy Scouts of America in VA
Clarke Museum in Eureka, CA
Crocks Museum in Sacremento, CA
Chico State University, CA
Featured In:
Her Mind Made Up: Weaving Baskets the Indian Way by Ron Johnson, News from Native California
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