Arquette Henry

Henry Arquette (Atsienhanonne)
Monawk/SNIPE CLAN
402 St. Regis Road
Hogansburg, NY 13655

Henry Arquette remembers when he was growing up in Akwesasne the sound of men pounding black ash logs to make splint for baskets could be heard from miles around. His grandfather first got him interested in making small pack baskets. Later, Henry’s father taught him how to find just the right black ash tree for baskets and how to pound logs. He grew up to become a renowned basketmaker specializing in finely made utility baskets including pack, laundry, picnic, wedding and corn washing baskets.

Henry Arquette’s baskets are woven from black ash splints and feature thick sturdy handles from white ash. He prepares all his own materials, cutting black ash logs which are then pounded to separate the growth rings into strips for weaving. As part of the tradition, all the preparation is done by hand.

A retired ironworker, Henry has taught many people how to make baskets in the traditional way and is recognized as a master teacher by other basketmakers at Akwesasne.