Datsolalee is subject of museum lecture

by Sharlene Irete

People Editor

Sue Ann Monteleone's research on Washoe weaver Datsolalee developed from her work with historic photographs and documents at the Nevada State Museum in Carson City.

"People who have studied Datsolalee's work have gathered all the history about her," Monteleone said, "but a lot of what a vast majority of people know about Datsolalee is 'Wow, there's these cool Indian baskets made by a lady 100 years ago.'"

Monteleone gives a presentation on the life and work of Washoe basket maker Datsolalee, "A Washoe Woman's Legacy to Nevada," at 7 p.m. Thursday, at the Carson Valley Museum & Cultural Center in Gardnerville.

Monteleone has worked in archaeology and museums for 30 years. Her job as registrar for Nevada State Museum has allowed her to study the museum's Native American basketry collection. She's studied native plants used for textiles, and is a fairly proficient weaver as a result of working with modern European-style and Native American weavers.

"I got involved with Datsolalee when I started in the museum's history department," she said. "Her baskets there include records and documents and her handprint, which was used in marketing as a signature.

"Abe Cohn and his wife had an emporium and focused on Native American arts in 1895. They built a cottage behind their house in Carson City for Datsolalee. She was supported by Cohn so she was able to devote all of her time to weaving."

There are several examples of Datsolalee's work on exhibit at the Nevada State Museum in Carson City. Monteleone said there are about 10 of her baskets at the historical society in Reno and a collection of her miniature baskets have been exhibited at the Gatekeeper's Museum in Tahoe City.

Monteleone said Datsolalee's design style is very distinctive.

"Her baskets have very fine stitches and perfect shape," Monteleone said. "She developed the shape and the way she put designs together in arrangements that were different from what other weavers were doing at the time.

"There were other fine weavers in her time, but Datsolalee's baskets are just exquisite. She had an edge on perfectionism."

The free lecture series is sponsored by the Douglas County Historical Society the second Thursday of the month at the museum, 1477 Highway 395, Gardnerville. The museum and the Main Street Book Store will be open before and after the one-hour lecture. Information, 782-2555.