Hopi Second Mesa Coiled Pictorial Basket [SOLD]

Coiled basketry of this type is made exclusively in Second Mesa villages on the Hopi Reservation. Each stitch of a coil is interlocked into the adjoining stitch of the previous coil. An awl is used to facilitate this. This basket probably took the weaver more than two months to complete the weaving process alone, not counting the months of gathering materials, drying the yucca leaves, 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, fortitude, and skill.

This plaque features a central design of an image of a female Hopi maiden with the maiden whorls hair style indicating that she is not married.  The whorls are indicated by the two black T-shaped images.  The black/red/white design below the head of the maiden is the traditional manta worn on occasions.  The feet of the maiden are indicated by the imbricated black lines on the outer rim of the basket.

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

Provenance: ex. coll. Albuquerque gentleman