Hopi Second Mesa Coiled Pictorial Basket [SOLD]

The Hopi have a long tradition of basket making.  Baskets are an important part of their cultural identity and reinforce the matriarchal society of the Hopi, as women are the basket makers.  Baskets are an integral part of the life of an individual and a basket is presented to an infant at its first public plaza dance.

Second Mesa plaques are tightly woven and are the preferred baskets for holding cornmeal, even at Third Mesa where wicker baskets are woven.  Coiled baskets are used for serving food both at home and ceremonially.  They are presented to girls during katsinam dances and baskets are used as part of the costume of dancers.

The design on this basket could be that of a butterfly or perhaps a design of the four directions.

Condition:  The basket is in original condition with no significant fading of the colors.

Provenance: ex. coll. Albuquerque gentleman