Folk Arts - Master Artist - Margaret Irving

Margaret Irving is a member of the Makah tribe and lives on the reservation in Neah Bay. Irving learned to weave baskets from her family members, who taught her the importance of using natural materials, such as grasses and cedar. The Makah were once renowned for their solid baskets, but the tradition was almost lost. Today, few Makahs know the techniques necessary to craft traditional baskets.

As a recipient of a 1996 Apprenticeship grant, Irving taught Vicki Pilatti Makah basketry. Irving focused her teachings to gathering and preparing the materials and constructing baskets. Vickie also learned the Makah words for each of the steps in the basket making process.

Apprentice Vicki Pilatti got her first taste of Makah basketry as a seventh grader. As an adult Vicki resumed the practice of basket weaving. Vicki sees it as her responsibility to carry on traditional Makah basketry techniques. Vicki also recognizes that many masters of Makah basket weaving are aging and will be gone soon. She intends to share her expertise with younger tribal members.
As a recipient of a 1997 Apprenticeship grant, Irving continued to teach Vicki Pilatti Makah Basketry.