Rosie Tom (Warm Springs) is a master bead worker whose experience dates back to the 1960s. Tom also makes moccasins, gloves, baskets, and quilts. She gathers and cooks native foods such as salmon, roots, and berries. Tom is actively involved in the NW Native American Basket Weavers Association and the Great Basin Native Basket Weavers Association.
Bio
Rosie Tom is a master bead worker and basket weaver in the Paiute tradition. Growing up on the rural Warm Springs Reservation, Tom learned in the 1960s from her grandmother and mother, who were both known for their skilled beadwork. In addition, Tom weaves many styles of traditional baskets, including double-twined sally bags as well as a coiled Paiute style. The fibers she prepares and uses include cornhusks, pine needles, red cedar, and tule. Family members and other tribal weavers influenced Tom’s basketry work. An active member in both the Northwest Native American Basket Weavers Association and the Great Basin Native Basket Weavers Association, Tom also crafts moccasins, gloves, and quilts. She enjoys gathering traditional roots and berries as well as preparing native salmon.
