Cultural Demonstration at Walnut Canyon National Monument

Hopi basket maker Leslie Randolph Robledo, Hopi name Letihepnem (Looking for Foxes), is a member of the Reed Clan from the village of Bacavi. Leslie is “passionate about keeping the age-old tradition of basket weaving thriving for future generations.” Join Leslie at Walnut Canyon National Monument from Friday, April 26-28 to view her baskets, and learn more about the significant cultural importance of her work. She will be available at the Walnut Canyon Visitor Center on Friday and Saturday from 10-4, and Sunday from 10-2.

Leslie describes her basket making process as “a centuries old tradition. Originally designed to seive various beans and corn and to carry, store and dry foods. Hopis interweave their own designs into their baskets, reflecting the culture and imagination of the weaver.

The Hopi sifter baskets are made from yucca and the rings are usually made from sumac. The Hopi wicker baskets and plaques are made from wicker, rabbit brush and yucca. These plants and fibers are locally sourced. Hours and hours are spent walking the countryside picking materials needed, then processed by cleaning, stripping, splitting and are hand dyed using natural dyes as well as commercial dyes. Since she was a little girl, Leslie has gone out collecting wicker and rabbit brush with her great grandmother, Master weaver Freda Quavehma and her sister Debbie Allison, also a Master weaver.”