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Patix Mix has lived in Northern California for over 25 years. She learned her weaving technique from her Cherokee Grandmother, and has been devoted to passing this Native American spiritual handicraft tradition on to others in many counties of N. California especially Lake County, as well as teaching at the University of Davis in Davis, California and Chico State University in Chico, California. The weaver once taught is to pass the technique on from generation to generation.

Pattix Mix specializes in "Spirit Baskets and Necklaces". She weaves in horse hair, sweetgrass and pine needles. The Portal Market was approved by the elders of the Pomo Tribe in Lake County in 1994, and the spirit that is woven into Buffalo Woman's "Spirit Baskets and Necklaces" is a way to honor the elders of the Pomo Tribe in lake County, CA. These creations are indeed very special and the Portal Market is honored to carry on this weaving tradtion of the Native American spiritual arts by offering them to others so that they may be enjoyed by future generations.

A rembrance basket or necklace can be made of the hair of your favorite horse. They will be decorated with feathers, beads, or shells. Each basket or necklace has a life of its own and it is helpful if you tell Buffalo Woman something about your animal. If you do not have your own horse hair Buffalo Woman can provide the hair and all colors are available.

Although Buffalo Woman weaves the "Spirit Baskets and Necklaces" she states that she does not take credit for them. As with all things of the Spirit, they create themselves in the "Great Spirit's Way" states Pattie. It takes at least two weeks to complete a specific basket or necklace. The weave is very intricate and it does take time to create each piece.

Buffalo Woman states,

"Spirit Baskets and Necklaces" will re-unite us inter-tribally. Woman to Woman. Eash taking the others' left hand, joining an ever growing circle of Spirit Basket weavers. Each one's basket or necklace will be different and these differences will draw us closer together as sisters. For we are all related. We should honor our ancestors and each other.

You may feel the spirit of the basket or necklace when you touch it. You may have a special feeling for the basket or necklace because of the materials that were used. It will be a way to be connected to the "Great Spirit Way".

Statements from Buffalo Woman's prior clients and friends:

Pattie Mix, Buffalo Woman gives an energy to her work. Each piece has a special chracter in the color, matrials, and design. She is so enthusiastic about the weaving that anyone who talks to her enjoys the experience. I have a beautiful necklace and basket in my shop and they are always bringing up new and interesting conversations.

Lynne Baker Cole
lynneifas@yahoo.com
Retreat Spa and Club House

Pattie is a wonder. She has been in this community for 22 years and contributed to many activities. She has taught classes on basket weaving and been a leader in Stirling City.

Jim Munn
President of the Stirling City Preservation Foundation

Pattie is an elder who has helped me to coordinate meetings at Chico State with one of our key speakers being Dennis Banks. She is active in every aspect of the native community. We are constantly in contact about pursuing additinal information, activities, and community support to further our desire to spread the word about weaving.

Lynell Smith
President
AIMS support group
Chico, California

The "Buffalo Woman" Collection;

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Pattie "Buffalo Woman" Mix offerings:
• Spirit Baskets
• Spirit Broaches
• Spirit Necklaces
• Spirit Hats