Beginners and veterans share the art of indigenous basket weaving. See what we learned

As I stood at the gates of the Maryhill Museum of Art in Goldendale, Washington, I felt like the child at the adult table. Around the picturesque entrance overlooking the Columbia River were small groups of visitors – mostly older women – eagerly awaiting the museum’s opening.

I may have a few gray hairs sprouting on my left temple, but as we know, retirement is still at least 40 years away. However, none of the participants seemed to mind as we chatted about what brought us to Maryhill Museum on that Saturday morning in October.

The activity that day was Wa’paas, a traditional indigenous basket weaving technique. These free workshops, hosted by the museum and moderated by Chestina Dominguez, provide a monthly opportunity to engage in a craft and be part of a community.

Read more: Indigenous basket-making workshops form a community in the Columbia Gorge

As I entered the museum, I was distracted by Terri Steinert, a Wa’paas workshop participant who was attending a Wa’paas workshop for the first time. She gave me a sneak peek into the basketry exhibit – a large circular room in the museum’s basement filled with glass cabinets full of baskets.

Her awe was contagious. Steinert simply loved basket weaving and it was easy to see why. Intricate patterns in various shapes made from natural fibers showcased the skill and craftsmanship of weaving – should this be my takeaway from the course?

Twenty minutes later, I was sitting at a fold-out table with multi-colored yarn wrapped around my fingers, learning how to start my first basket.

The materials: yarn and craft cord (plus a little patience). Dominguez, a member of the Warm Springs and Yakama tribes, began the session with a demonstration of getting started.

Start by measuring four arm lengths of yarn and cutting a single continuous thread along with 12 foot pieces of craft twine.

Align the craft cords evenly, then take the center of the strand of yarn and wrap it around the center of the craft cords twice to secure them in place.

Now divide the yarn into two groups on each side of the middle. Start by wrapping the cord around each side as if you were tying a ponytail. After a few loops, split each section down the middle and wind smaller sections – two pieces of 12 cords, then four pieces of six cords, eight pieces of three cords, and so on. Repeat this pattern, working in a circular motion around the center until only individual sections of cord remain.

At this point you have created the base of your shopping cart. Continue weaving around each individual cord to add height. The line will naturally bend into a bowl shape as you progress.

After an hour of peaceful weaving, I had made significant progress. Throughout the course, participants shared their difficulties and successes in weaving and helped each other along the way. Some were newbies like me, while others were web veterans. As we worked, we talked about why we were there – some for the craft, some for the community, and some for the healing.

Regardless of age, the activity is a meditative and healing practice, Dominguez said. She encourages everyone to give it a try. My last yarn haul and I completely agree.

If you’re interested in experiencing this for yourself, the Wa’paas Workshop of the Year will be held on Saturday, November 9th, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Maryhill Museum of Art in Goldendale, Washington. To find out more, visit Maryhill Museum’s events calendar.

And for those who want to try next year, mark your calendars for March when Chestina’s classes start again. Every month, from March to November, community members from across the Pacific Northwest gather here to learn and socialize.