Akimel Au-Authm (Pima) People

The Pima Tribe believes their ancestors were the ancient “Hoo-hoogam” (Hohokam) meaning “those who have gone”.

The “Hoo-hoogam” were a farming tribe who inhabited these areas centuries ago and mysteriously vanished. Their unique irrigation route system is used today with Arizona canals.

Today, villages of the “Hoo-hoogam” can be seen at different archaeological sites.

The Pima are well known for their basket weaving techniques, intricately woven, they are made watertight. All materials used to create these unique works of art are completely natural. The designs on a Pima basket represent a people who respect the environment in which they live.

The materials, which consist of willow shoots, cattails, and devil’s claws, must be collected at the proper time of year and selected carefully. The materials must then be prepared by splitting, trimming and shaving to the proper thickness. Then they are soaked for a time allowing them to bend properly.

Pima basket weaving is difficult and very time-consuming. The core of the basket is started with a knot usually using the devils claw (a basket usually begins with a black center). The willow and devil’s claw are weaved around the foundation (cattail) used for the white design and the devil’s claw is used for the black design.