How did California basket makers create waterproof containers?

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Hohokam pottery — Native American art Pottery created by the Hohokam people, made of buff clay and painted with red designs.

California basket makers achieved waterproof containers through highly skilled twining techniques, using long, flexible splints split from materials such as spruce roots. By weaving these fibers with exceptional tightness, the baskets became capable of holding liquids.12

These waterproof vessels were essential for cooking; because the baskets were watertight, they could be filled with water or soup, which was then boiled by dropping hot stones directly into the container. This method allowed for the preparation of food without the need for traditional metal or ceramic pots.12