The Journal of California Anthropology

While some Indian tribes were widely known for their distinctive basketry, the dealers and collectors were not always concerned about identifying the sources of their treasures. Thus James, quoted above, is aware of the presence of "fine basket makers in Kern County," but knows nothing of their tribal affiliation. He never refers to the Kawaiisu by any name although he knows of the existence of Indians on and around "Paiuti" (Piute) Mountain at the heart of the Kawaiisu area. As will be seen below, he describes "one of the most interesting baskets I have ever seen," owned by an aged woman "on Paiuti Mountain, Kern Co.

Today it is quite clear that there are more Kawaiisu baskets than can be identified with certainty.