Fifteenth International Conference on Interdisciplinary Social Sciences

Abstract

On Tuesday, December 29, 1903, a small headline at the bottom of the front page of the New York Times read, “Seri Indians on Warpath.” This indigenous group of people who live in the state of Sonora in Mexico, just north of Kino Bay in the communal properties of Punta Chueca and Desemboque were also referred to by derogatory names. They call themselves Comcaac, yet are commonly known in Mexico as the Seri Indians. Since 1903 and before, the Seri (Comcaac) people have been known for their relationship with nature and as artisans of ironwood carvings and basketmaking. This paper focuses upon the latter: basketmaking. Traditionally, women have been the sole-creators of baskets (or canastas), which can command thousands of dollars from buyers. Why is it that women are the only basketmakers? Do men ever participate in basketmaking? Under what circumstances? What is the significance of these baskets in the Comcaac culture? How does basketmaking transmit the cultural heritage of the Comcaac people? This paper explores these questions through interviews with three Comcaac women, who come from a long line of basketmakers, who live in Punta Chueca and support their families through creating and selling baskets.