Essie Pinola Parrish facts for kids

Essie Pinola Parrish (1902–1979) was an important leader of the Kashaya Pomo people. She was known for her spiritual wisdom and for keeping Native American traditions alive. Essie was also a very skilled basket weaver.

Essie Pinola Parrish: A Kashaya Pomo Leader

Essie Pinola was born in 1902 at the Stewarts Point Rancheria in Stewarts Point, California. From a young age, she showed special gifts.

Spiritual Wisdom and Healing

When she was just six years old, the Kashaya people recognized her unique spiritual abilities. She grew up to become the main spiritual leader for her community. People saw her as someone who could understand important messages and interpret dreams. Essie was also a healer, helping people with their health.

Teacher and Language Expert

Essie Pinola Parrish was dedicated to teaching. She taught Kashaya children their native Kashaya Pomo language. This helped keep the language alive for future generations.

She worked with Robert Oswalt, a language expert from the University of California, Berkeley. Together, they created a dictionary of the Kashaya Pomo language. Her important work on the language is kept in the California Language Archive.

Documenting Pomo Culture

Essie also helped create more than 20 films. These films showed important parts of Pomo culture and traditions. In 1972, she even gave talks at the New School in New York City.

Master Basket Weaver

Essie Pinola Parrish was famous for her amazing basket weaving. Her baskets were so beautiful and well-made that many people wanted them. Even Robert F. Kennedy, a well-known American politician, collected her baskets.

See also

• List of Native American artists
• Visual arts by indigenous peoples of the Americas