Photo: Peter Bach

The Yanomami culture has endured over eight thousand years in the jungles of the Amazon. Thier handicraft and baskets are beautifully woven by the women of their tribes. They make two main styles of baskets which are called shotos and carrying or burdon baskets. They are used for everyday uses as in the gathering of food, firewood, and cooking.

Displayed above are Yanomami Shotos (shallow baskets) which are used for storing food. They are colored with onoto and then decorated with charcoal with various geometrical designs including, for example. waves, circles, dots and crosses. These baskets are a sustainable item made from the resources of the nature around them and are an integral part of their culture. For a closer look at their symbols & art click here.

Carrying baskets fulfill a variety of uses in their culture. They maybe made in different sizes and often include a long strap that is worn on the head so that the basket may fall on the mid to upper back. Often they can be seen in the background of photos taken of the Yanomami hanging from cieling beams and resting on the floor in their Shabono.

Photo: Peter Bach

To the right is a carrying basket filled with yucca which is a root vegetable that is a staple of the Yanomami diet.