SELLING CAPS AND
THE COMMERCIAL MARKET
In contrast to the Brizard mass market approach, Grace Nicholson opened a gallery in Pasadena, California and only collected the finest baskets directly from the greatest Indian weavers in
California. These included Elizabeth and Louisa Hickox (fig. 36) (Wiyot and Karuk), William and Mary Benson (Pomo), and Dat-So-La-Lee (Dabuda or Louisa Keyser). She made
agreements with these weavers and purchased from them directly. She then resold to the most prestigious collectors and natural history museums throughout the country. She paid high prices
for the period although they seem low today. She first visited the Klamath region in 1908 and went all the way "up river." She attended dances, learned about them and the weavers, and kept
meticulous records and even photographs of her trips. She gathered valuable information and promoted the idea of superstar Indian weavers. She heard of a weaver who made "the finest baskets
of all" and hiked ten miles to meet her. She placed her under agreement and paid $3.00 to $10.00 for Elizabeth Hickox's caps but as much as $150.00 for her unique trinket baskets.
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