Large Plaque Basket with Butterfly by Madeline Lamson [SOLD]

This plaque basket was created by Hopi weaver Madeline Lamson. Plaques—made year-round, unlike certain other basket forms—are the most common type of Hopi basket.  Many are made for the market, but even more remain on the reservation.  Helga Teiwes’ Hopi Basket Weaving: Artistry in Natural Fibers states that “within the Hopi social structure plaques serve to reaffirm the links between families and clan members” (p.51).  Teiwes lists their various purposes, including basket dance display, various ceremonial and kiva uses, “paybacks” for a bride’s wedding robes, and use as gifts or prizes.

The plaque features a large butterfly design surrounding its coiled spiral center.  Imbrication provides highlights on the butterfly’s wing tips.  The symmetry is wonderful, and the colors are strong and bright.  Black and red step designs extend inward from the outer rim toward the butterfly.  This is a beautiful plaque that will undoubtedly appeal to a wide range of collectors.  It is provided with a loop for hanging.

This basket is featured on page 53 of Gregory Schaaf’s American Indian Baskets 1: 1,500 Artist Biographies.

Madeline Lamson is a Hopi artist who has been active since the 1950s.  Lamson is a member of the Sun Forehead Clan.  She lives in the village of Shungopavi.  She comes from a large family of artists.  She has exhibited widely and received many awards for her work.  Lamson creates baskets in a variety of forms, often featuring Katsina imagery. She is included in Helga Teiwes book Hopi Basket Weaving: Artistry in Natural Fibers, pp 91-95

Condition: very good condition

Provenance: this Large Plaque Basket with Butterfly by Madeline Lamson is from the large collection of Allan Nelson, an avid Native American art collector.

Reference: Hopi Basket Weaving: Artistry in Natural Fibers, Helga Teiwes

Relative Links: Hopi Pueblo, Native American Baskets, Katsina-Kachina Doll, Madeline Lamson, Hopi Second Mesa Basket Maker