Jicarilla Apache Basket Bowl [SOLD]

Coiled baskets of the Jicarilla Indians of Northern New Mexico are usually large, stout, and strong. Their solidity results from the thickness of the coils, built on a foundation of three bunched sumac rods or more, characteristically of five bunched rods. Generally they are decorated with bold geometric designs in brilliant aniline colors, which fade rapidly.

This basket is traditional in every sense. It is large, stout and strong and the design has faded to faint pastel colors. The basket is in extraordinary condition with only a very few missing stitches. It is a great example of a utilitarian basket that served its owner well.

Provenance: From the personal collection of Frances Balcomb, owner of Balcomb's Gallery, at one time located in Arizona, then Taos, Gallup, and Albuquerque, but closed since 1976.