Tohono O’odham Horsehair Plaque Showing the Friendship Circle [SOLD]

The arrival of the horse helped express the American West in many ways. In the mid-20th century, it also helped define Tohono O'odham (Papago) basketry when weavers began to weave very fine miniscule baskets from the hair of a horse tail. Papago horsehair baskets are created and woven using essentially the same techniques as those used in other coiled baskets. The enhanced skill and immense amount of time that go into these unique, miniature creations are comparable to their larger relatives – but on a much smaller scale.

Norma Antone is one of the more famous basket weavers producing miniature scale basketry using horsehair as the material. This basket features a circle of men holding hands around the outer perimeter. It has been called the Friendship Basket or Friendship Circle. The weave of the basket is so tight it is not possible to count the stitches per inch.

Condition: The basket is in original excellent condition.

Provenance: Estate of Evelyn and Herbert Weinstein, Santa Fe.