Winnowing Basket

Winnowing baskets were used for separating edible grain crops from other plant debris and insects. The maker of this twined basket, Susie Wilson, was born in Death Valley on October 23, 1895. Wilson and her family spent the winter months in the southern part of Death Valley, near Eagle Borax Works and Bennett’s Wells. They spent summers in the Panamint mountains.

Wilson’s basketry was known for its elegant black and white designs. String is used on this undecorated twined basket instead of willow to hold the starting rods together. There is a small amount of charring in the middle bottom section.