Baskets from the Seri Coast

This stunning exploration of Seri (Comcaac) basket weaving reveals the resilience and creativity of the weavers as seen through the lens of documentary photographer David Burckhalter, who has spent five decades cultivating friendships and documenting Seri traditions, landscapes, and basketry in Sonora, Mexico.

Blending striking photography with reflections from years as a trader and observer of Seri culture, Burckhalter traces the evolution of Seri basketry from a utilitarian craft to a celebrated art form. The book examines how Seri weavers have navigated the influences of the craft economy, outside forces like anthropologists, and changing traditions, while preserving their unique oral history and spiritual connections. With detailed insights into the artistry, labor, and legends surrounding Seri baskets, this work is a tribute to the resilience and creativity of Seri women, whose weaving continues to be passed on to future generations.

Featuring more than two hundred color photographs and historic images, Baskets from the Seri Coast: Comcaac Weavers and Their Craft offers readers a visual feast that celebrates the intricate craftsmanship and cultural significance of a timeless art and the people who make it.

Author Biography

David Burckhalter is a photographer and research associate at the Southwest Center of the University of Arizona. The Tucson-based photographer is the author of Baja California Missions: In the Footsteps of the Padres and The Seris, also University of Arizona Press books.