Baskets made by Julia Parker recently were donated to Yosemite National Park/NPS

More than two dozen Native American baskets made by Julia Parker have been donated to Yosemite National Park, where they will be on display in the park museum.

Ms. Parker dedicated her life to ensuring American Indian culture and basket-weaving skills passed down from her elders continued to flourish

The 26 pieces were collected through the years by Elvira “Ellie” Nishkian, from San Francisco, who was active in many charitable causes and was instrumental in the formation of the Yosemite Fund, which is now known as Yosemite Conservancy. Nishkian’s family felt that this wonderful collection of baskets belonged in the Yosemite Museum.

The donated collection includes both coiled and twined baskets, some decorated with tiny seed beads, shell beads and feathers, soaproot brushes, and other items.

The Yosemite Museum houses one of the largest and most diverse collections of artifacts in the National Park System and cares for a large collection of American Indian material. The museum opened in 1926 and celebrates its 90th Anniversary this year. Some of the donated collection will be displayed during the “Why Yosemite Collects” exhibit at the Yosemite Museum from May 31 to November 1.

“Julia has dedicated her life to not only making beautiful works of art, but also to ensuring the important knowledge and skills passed down from her elders continue to flourish,” said Yosemite Conservancy President Frank Dean. “The Nishkian’s generous contribution ensures that these important pieces of Yosemite’s history can be enjoyed forever by visitors from around the world.”

Julia Parker, a Kashia Pomo/Coast Miwok, followed her future husband, Ralph Parker, to Yosemite where they were married in 1948. In 1960, she began work as a demonstrator after park naturalist Doug Hubbard approached her about demonstrating weaving. Her career with the National Park Service spanned over half a century until she retired as a Master Interpreter and Indian Cultural Demonstrator in July of 2015.

Julia Parker is a world renowned basket maker and during her time at Yosemite she shared the unique story of the Miwok people to countless visitors. Her work can be seen at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C., Queen’s Museum at Windsor Castle, U.K., and at the Yosemite Museum. Julia Parker is a National Endowment of the Arts Fellow and has received an honorary doctorate from the California College of the Arts.