Name/Title
Letter from Grace Nicholson to Harry GeorgeEntry/Object ID
Q1430.635.50CDescription
Vol II pg. 50C
Letter from Grace Nicholson to Harry George discussing various items she has that might be of interest to Harry George, and the location of some Indian tribes.
December 6, 1911.
Mr. Harry L. George,
201 Saxton Bank Bldg.,
St Louis, Mo.,
Dear Mr. George,
Please do not think I am negligent in not answering your letter, but I am rushed with Christmas business.
Would state that Widow’s Cap-3248 is unquestionably a Karok, and was purchased from the head of old tin-tin’s woman, at Katemine[?]. The reason many of the caps of this entire region are hard to positively identify is the fact that they all use the same material, almost identical shapes, but vary their designs and have little difference in finish and shape. This is particularly true of the widow’s cap because they use the dull colors and very little of the maiden hair fern stems.
Whenever material is scarce in one section they go long distances to purchase maiden hair fern stems and other roots from neighboring Indians. This is true of the Karoks, Yuroks, Hupas, Redwoods, Wegats, Tolowas, and, in a way with the Shastas.
The great mistake many collectors, and even the Scientists have made regarding the Shastas, they seem to think the Shastas are the Indians who live in Shasta Co., Calif. But the Shastas proper live, almost all of them, in Siskiyou Co., along the Upper Klamath River. They are quite widely scattered and very few families still in existence. They do very little work as they say it is easier for them to buy Karok and Hupa Baskets, than make Baskets. Most of their present work is the making of wicker Baskets, which they find very salable for little work Baskets.
The Shasta Baskets which I have are unquestionably Shasta Baskets - genuine - as I visited all the living members of this tribe and all Baskets secured from them were unquestionably made by the parties or their ancestors.
I sent a number of fine specimens to museums, which had ordered same, and single specimens to Collectors. I have a few good specimens left and will place aside the old weave and present weave of the Shasta.
Regarding the Shaman’s Hat. Would advise that if Miss Julia Haley has an old specimen, with the rings woven to the hat proper, that you purchase same from her, as I have none in stock at the present time, and do not know of a good old specimen which I can secure at the present time.
At present I have no Arikara burden basket, and have never had a so called “baptismal” basket. Will keep you in mind and if you do not secure a specimen direct from the agency people you are figuring with, I may be able to furnish the burden basket at some future time.
We will be delighted to see you in May, when the Shriner’s visit the coast. This section of California is the best place in the world to hold a convention. I know you will have a splendid time, and it will be our particular pleasure to show you Pasadena, as well as my collection of Baskets and other materia.
Cordially,
Grace NicholsonSubject
Nicholson, Grace
Pasadena, California
Basket
Cap -- Widow's
Karok
Shastas
Hat -- Shaman's
ArikaraSubject Person/Organization
Harry L. George Collection
