Cattail Weaving
Tuition: $175 | Materials: $25
A common sight along the edges of ponds and marshes, cattail is a tall, reedy plant that plays an important role in wetland ecology and has special value to NW Native people as a weaving material. More info...
Tradition keeper, artist, and cultural anthropologist with the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, Brigette McConville will lead students through traditional techniques for constructing a Cattail basket, drawing on the gathering and weaving traditions of the Warm Springs, Wasco & Northern Paiute peoples. Within these cultures, cattail baskets have been used as functional vessels for storage and gathering, and for ceremonial and decorative purposes such as the presentation of gifts or occasionally, as the gift itself.
In this one-day workshop, students will cut, measure, soak and prepare cattail leaves for use in weaving, and create a small round cattail basket using twining techniques. Brigette will guide students through the process from start to finishing the basket rim. A selection of dyed cattail and raffia will be provided for incorporating color, pattern and variety into the Cattail baskets.
All Native Art classes are offered at 50% off tuition for all peoples of North American Indigenous descent. Please email info@wildcraftstudioschool.com for details.
No previous experience necessary. This workshop is open to anyone 18 years old & over who meet the Essential Eligibility Criteria for Studio Workshops. All participants must accept the inherent risks of participating in a Studio Workshop and agree to sign a liability waiver. This waiver describes in more detail the risks you assume by participating in a Studio Workshop. PLEASE carefully review it!
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