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Nellie Charlie
Nellie Charlie.jpg
Nellie Charlie in the early 20th century.
Born
Besa-Yoona

1867
Died 1965 (aged 97–98)
Nationality Kucadikadi
Education Self-taught
Known for Basket weaving

Nellie Charlie (1867–1965) was a talented Mono Lake Paiute - Kucadikadi basketmaker. She was known for her amazing baskets, especially those connected to Yosemite National Park.

Nellie was born in Lee Vining, California. Her father, Pete Jim, was a leader in their tribe. Her mother, Patsy, was also a skilled basket maker. Nellie married Young Charlie, a man from the Mono Lake Paiute - Kucadikadi people in Yosemite. They had six children together. Her Paiute name was Besa-Yoona.

Nellie made baskets in both old, traditional ways and newer styles. In the 1920s, she took part in the yearly Indian Field Days competition in Yosemite. This was a special event where Native American artists could show their skills. Her daughter, Daisy Mallory, also became a very well-known weaver.

Nellie was part of a group of Paiute women famous for their beautiful baskets. These baskets were very detailed and used many colors. Other famous weavers in this group included Lucy Telles and Carrie Bethel. Nellie Charlie passed away in Bishop, California.

Nellie Charlie's Art Legacy

Nellie Charlie's amazing work is still remembered today. One of her baskets is kept at the Yosemite Museum. This special basket is covered with tiny beads from Czechoslovakia.

Another traditional basket she made from sedge roots was also very important. Both of these baskets were shown in an art exhibition about Yosemite. This exhibition traveled to several museums from 2006 to 2008. These museums included the Autry National Center, the Oakland Museum of California, the Nevada Museum of Art, and the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art. Her baskets helped people learn about the rich art history of the Yosemite area.

Gallery

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Nellie Charlie para niños

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