Dat So La Lee

Louisa Keyser, or Dat So La Lee (c. 1829 - December 6, 1925) was a celebrated Native American basket weaver.

A member of the Washoe people in northwestern Nevada, her basketry came to national prominence during the Arts and Crafts movement and the "basket craze" of the early 20th century.

[1][7] They recognized the quality of Dat So La Lee's weaving and, wanting to enter the curio trade in Native American art, decided to promote and sell her basketry.

Abram "Abe" Cohn owned the Emporium Company, a men's clothing store, in Carson City, Nevada.

Though very much surrounded by diverse cultures because of the recognition of her work, she would only have a Woodfords medicine man named Tom Walker treat her and prepare her for death.

Her simple marble grave marker reads "Dat So La Lee / Famous Washoe Basket Maker / Died 12.

A rather cryptic nearby Nevada state historic marker reads, "Myriads of stars shine over the graves of our ancestors."

Dat So La Lee baskets, 1940s photo
1900 Dat So La Lee basket made of willow, braken fern, and red bud