Hopi Second Mesa Coiled Polychrome Plaque [SOLD]

Coiled basketry of this type is made exclusively in Second Mesa villages on the Hopi Reservation. Using an awl, the basket maker pushes the yucca strip into the adjoining stitch of the previous coil. This process is repeated one stitch at a time throughout the entire process of making the basket.  Such an effort is very time consuming and a plaque such as this one probably took the weaver more than a month to complete the weaving process alone, not counting the months of gathering materials, drying the yucca leaves, and then splitting them to a thin, consistent width, dying some of them, and preparing the grass for the foundation.  I have watched a number of women at Second Mesa villages make baskets over the years, and I am in awe of their patience and fortitude.

This plaque features a central design of radiating stars.  The outer star consists of alternating black and red blocks and the inner one of yellowed and dyed yucca.  The basket is somewhat shallow but does have some concavity.  There is a loop woven into the back to facilitate hanging.

Condition:  very good condition considering its age of approximately 35 years.

Provenance: from the collection of the Balcomb family

Recommended Reading:  Hopi Basket Weaving: Artistry in Natural Fibers by Helga Teiwes