The art deco floor mosaics of The Ahwahnee are "rubber tiles" comprised of linoleum, cork, clay, sawdust and linseed oil.  Their designs are based on basket patterns of California Indian tribes.  These brighly colored floor tiles welcome visitors to the lobby and reflect the Native American themes seen throughout the hotel.  The hotel's name also is reflective of this theme as the first residents of Yosemite Valley called it Ahwahnee meaning gaping mouth-like place.  The people called themselves Ahwahneechee.