A Basketful of Expertise

Sheila Ransom
October 20, 2011
Akwesasne

"My godmother was an extraordinary basket weaver."

Sheila Ransom, Mohawk

Sheila Ransom is a proud descendant of a line of craftswomen with an artistic flair. Her mother, her aunt and especially her godmother all passed on their passion for basketry to her. Creations, projects and tools are piled up in her workshop, where her expert hands weave baskets. One of them was presented to Pope Benedict XVI during the canonization of Kateri Tekakwitha, the "Lily of the Mohawks", the first Indigenous saint. Her works are part of prestigious museum collections, Sheila Ransom's greatest desire goes beyond recognition. Instead, what she wants most is to pass on patience and her love for black ash and sweetgrass to her grandchildren.