Largo, Donna Mae, 1944-2009

The art of Cahuilla basketry has almost disappeared completely. Donna Largo, a tribal elder from Santa Rosa, was once introduced as “the last Cahuilla basketweaver.” She made it her mission to ensure the tradition was passed down. She taught many Indian and non-Indian people how to weave. Donna, with the help of former students and other colleagues, started Nex’wetem: Southern California Indian Basketweavers Association. Through her efforts, the art of Cahuilla basketry continues to this day, with many Santa Rosa people carrying on the tradition.

DONNA MAE LARGO Cahuilla Basket Maker June 15, 1944 ~ March 4, 2009 A lifetime resident of Hemet, Donna passed away at her home on March 4, 2009. She was 64 years old and retired from her employment with Riverside San Bernardino County Indian Health, Inc. She was a Community Health Representative, Educator for 20 years. Prior to that Donna worked as a Title IV Indian Education Coordinator for the Hemet Unified School District. Donna constantly worked to preserve Tribal Culture and to perpetuate Cahuilla basketry. She pursued her idea of founding an organization for Southern California Indian Basket Weavers, which is now Nex'wetem. Donna taught many people the art of basket weaving and worked for many museums providing guidance and advice. She also worked at ISOMATA in Idyllwild every July teaching basketry. Donna also collaborated on two books about Native Plants Use and was working on a Basketry documentary at the time of her death. Donna is survived by her husband, Anthony; three sons, John, David and Joseph; her daughter-in-law, Candi and two grandchildren, Destiny and Faith; her brother, Augustine and cousins, Marvin, Mayme, Celeste, Mercy, Steven, Betty, Charles, Dennis, Charlotte, and sisters-in-law, Lorrina, Lois, Vivian; brother-in-law, Leon and many nieces and nephews.