In South Louisiana, near Charenton, on a twenty-three acre
reservation, live many members of the Chitimacha Indian tribe.
Young John Darden is a member of this ancient culture, and John
is practicing some of the "old" ways of his ancestors. Although
John is a man of the '90s, he knows the importance of preserving
and passing on his cultural traditions and art forms. John and
his wife, Scarlett, are two of the few remaining Chitimacha who
practice split-cane basketry. Using only his teeth, a sharp
knife, water and canes, John makes some of the best and most
beautiful split cane baskets in the state. John learned this
craft as a child by listening, watching and practicing as his
grandparents created their traditional basket art. Around the
muddy bayous of Charenton, Louisiana, the piya, a bamboo-like
cane, still grows thick and tall. Specimens of the best sort,
those canes with widely spaced joints, are carefully sought.
These are more desirable than others, for they have fewer knots
and will produce smoother b