Cook Delia

Delia Cook (Karihwaienhne)
MOHAWK/TURTLE CLAN 1019 Drum St. Road
Akwesasne, NY 13655

When she was eight, Delia Cook rememhers helping her mother with “starters” — thimble cases, sewing kits, scissor cases and pincnshions. Since theo, Delia has made many different types of utility and fancy baskets including the traditional corn-washing basket. This basket is nsed to rinse dried corn that is boiled with ashes. The basket has evenly spaced holes on the bottom that permits the ashes and hulls of the corn to flow away in the washing process. The elegant twill weave is osed in cornwashing and other styles of splint basketry.
A talented qnilter, Delia also sews ribbon shirts and leatherwork including moccasins. Over the years, she learned from Sarah Lazore, Mary Adams, Mary Leaf and Mae Bigtree. Mary Leaf taught her how to make little strawberry baskets. Delia is also a dedicated teacher, teaching basketmaking to younger people, especially the corn-washing basket. Her motto is: “Whatever you start, you have to finish.”