According to Tohono O'odham legends, the "People of the Desert," have lived in the Sonoran Desert since the beginning of time.  They are known not only as excellent basket weavers, but for their ability to make baskets at an impressive rate, compared to most other tribal groups of the Southwest who have either stopped weaving completely or drastically reduced their production.

The oldest Tohono O'odham basket dates back to 800 AD. Today most Tohono O'odham baskets are made of any combination of beargrass, yucca, devil's claw, yucca root, and occasionally willow.

For more information about the Tohono O'odham and their basketry, see Papago Indians and Their Basketry.