Tohono O'odham baskets are handmade using the native plants of the Sonoran Desert in southern Arizona. No dyes are used on Tohono O'odham baskets; weavers rely solely on the natural colors of desert plants. Collecting, growing and preparing these natural fibers require respect for and knowledge about the natural world. Before a weaver places the first stitch, she has to spend countless hours harvesting and preparing her materials.

The coil - or warp - of the basket is made of beargrass, a long, narrow green grass with razor sharp edges and a flowing stalk. White and green Yucca, black Devil's Claw and red Banana Yucca are used to create the stitches - or weft - of each basket.

A few of the most traditional baskets still use desert willow and cattail. Miniature baskets are often made out of horsehair.