One of the most famous weavers in the world, Datsolalee (1835-1925) was a major influence on the evolution of Washo fancy basketry and is recognized as the greatest basket weaver and designer among the Washo people.

Born in Nevada's Carson Valley of unknown parentage in 1835, Datsolalee learned the skills of traditional Washo basketry, perfecting the intricate design that used up to 36 stitches to the inch. Datsolalee was married twice, first to a Washo man named Assu, by whom she had two children, and second to Charley Keyser in 1888. With her marriage to Keyser, Datsolalee took the name Louisa. However, it was her friendship with and patronage from a man named Dr. S. L. Lee of Carson City in the 1860s that earned her the nickname Datsolalee--a name she was known by for the remainder of her life.

In 1851, disaster struck the Washo tribe when it was attacked by...