A matting headband and an apron to protect the back were obtained from the Papago. The headband was attached to the willow hoop with a hair rope. The informant said that she remembers strands of her hair being cut frequently for this purpose. An extra helping stick, forked at the top, was used in conjunction with the two long ribs to form a tripod which braced the basket for loading and also helped the bearer to rise. Looking toward the opening, the burden basket is round, and conical in side view.
Sizes vary with that of the bearer.
Pima basketry has intricate and striking designs, and the stitches are fine and the finish smooth. The sewing is done with these withes. These plants grow voluntarily in the cornfields, but if not sufficient in quantity, they are cultivated. These black strands are twelve inches or longer, and so tough that they outwear the willow. The end of the split cattail is held between the teeth while the work continues.