There was a time in the not too distant past when Papago Indians or O'odham, as they call themselves, lived lightly upon the desert earth. Their homes were brush shelters that could be easily built and readily abandoned. To survive in the desert meant that Tohono O'odham had to move with the wind, the sun, and the rain to follow their source of food, to be at their life-giving springs of water, and to cultivate their fields at the appropriate time.
Living in such a manner meant that Tohono O'odham material needs were few. Their personal possessions were made from supplies provided by nature, and most of them were portable. What they had the women made themselves: baskets. Baskets were the drawers, the cupboards, many of the containers and storage bins.
This group performs dances that showcase the art of O'odham basketry, a skill that has been taught and handed down from generation to generation.