Ellie Norman

Step into the rich tapestry of Basque culture with our zahato Bag, a testament to tradition and heritage. Crafted from tanned and close-cropped goatskin, this bag serves as a distinctive Basque variant of the Spanish bota bag. Beyond its practical use for carrying wine, it stands as a symbol of Basque craftsmanship and identity.

Adorned with a vibrant painted illustration, our zahato Bag depicts a bullfighter in action, waving a red cape at a bucking bull. This imagery not only reflects the Basque fascination with bullfighting but also encapsulates the spirit of resilience and bravery inherent in Basque tradition.

Originating from the Basque Country in Europe, Basques first migrated to Idaho in the mid-1800s, initially drawn by the promise of gold. However, as opportunities in gold dwindled, many Basques turned to sheep herding, a skill they brought with them from their homeland.

In Ketchum and Hailey, Idaho, this Basque community flourished, weaving its vibrant culture into the fabric of local life. From traditional festivals to culinary delights, the Basque influence permeates the region, leaving a lasting mark on Idaho’s cultural landscape.

This zahato bag is newly on display in the Wood River Museum’s Cabinet of Wonders! We invite you to visit the museum to see this and many other fascinating objects that provide insight to Idaho’s rich cultural history.

Throughout sports history, certain figures emerge not only as masters of their primary discipline but also as exemplars of versatility. Among them stands Gretchen Fraser, renowned for her trailblazing feats in alpine skiing. However, it is a lesser-known facet of her athletic ability that we celebrate today, captured in this moment at the Oregon State Horse Show of September 1956.

The photograph shows Fraser in a departure from her customary alpine domain, astride her trusted companion Briarcrest mid-vertical leap. Here, suspended in mid-air, Fraser transcends the slopes to embrace the equestrian arena with equal grace and determination.

Born in 1919, Fraser’s swift rise in skiing began in the 1930s, culminating in her historic gold medal triumph at the 1948 Winter Olympics in St. Moritz. Her unmatched technical precision and steadfast resolve not only secured her place in sports history, but also paved the way for future generations of female athletes. As one gazes upon this moment frozen in time, they are invited to marvel not only at Fraser’s equestrian skills but also to reflect on the unyielding spirit that propelled her to greatness across diverse arenas of competition. In celebrating her versatility, homage is paid not only to an Olympic icon but also to the enduring power of the human spirit to defy boundaries and transcend expectations.

From the Bob Porter Collection, 1998.17.01, Wood River Museum of History and Culture.

In the sparkling realm of figure skating, where grace meets athleticism, one dress holds the memories of a remarkable career’s grand finale. This chartreuse figure skating dress was worn by Sonya Klopfer Dunfield in her final competitive performance at the 1952 Oslo Olympics, where she placed fourth.

As the spotlight covered the ice, Dunfield’s elegant movements dazzled spectators, leaving a lasting mark on the sport. Yet, this performance marked not just the culmination of her competitive journey but also the beginning of a new chapter in her storied career.

Transitioning from athlete to mentor, Dunfield found her next calling as a figure skating coach. From the bustling streets of New York City to the serene landscapes of Orleans, Ontario, and the snow-capped peaks of Sun Valley, she imparted her wisdom and passion to generations of aspiring skaters. In recognition of her exceptional talents, Dunfield was honored with induction into the U.S. Figure Skating Hall of Fame in 2009, a testament to her enduring impact on the sport. And in 2019, her legacy was honored locally with her induction into the Sun Valley Winter Sports Hall of Fame, cementing her place among the legends of the sport in one of its most iconic locales.

This dress serves as a reminder not only of Dunfield’s grace and skill on the ice but also of her remarkable journey from Olympic athlete to coaching luminary. Through her tireless dedication and boundless passion, she not only left an indelible mark on the sport of figure skating but also inspired countless others to follow in her footsteps.

From the Sonya Dunfield Collection, 2006.25.01a, Wood River Museum of History and Culture.