Large Hopi Second Mesa Female Katsina Basket Plaque by Pauline Quiyo [SOLD]

This large plaque basket was made by Hopi artist Pauline Quiyo. It features a female katsina, probably Palhikmana, dancing beneath a rainbow. Its tightly woven center spirals outward, with new colors joining as it reaches farther from the center. These colors first form her face, then her butterfly whorl hairstyle, and then her elaborate dress and massive tableta. Down below, thin black lines form a pair of moccasins. Baskets featuring Katsinam are sought after by today's collectors, and it's rare to see one with an image as strong as this.

There is an extensive amount of imbrication throughout the basket which requires extra effort beyond the regular weaving process.

Pauline Quiyo (Quayo) is a Hopi basketmaker who has been active since the 1970s. Gregory Schaaf’s American Indian Baskets 1: 1,500 Artist Biographies refers to Quiyo as a “master weaver.”  She is an Eagle Clan member.  Her preferred forms are plaques (“poota”) and bowls (“wukopotasivu”).

Condition: very good condition

Provenance: this Large Hopi Second Mesa Female Katsina Basket Plaque by Pauline Quiyo is from the large collection of Allan Nelson, an avid Native American art collector.  Originally purchased directly from the artist.

Reference: 

Hopi Basket Weaving: Artistry in Natural Fibers, Helga Teiwes

Artist Image Source: Pauline Quiyo, Hopi Second Mesa Basket Maker - page 67 of Gregory Schaaf’s American Indian Baskets 1: 1,500 Artist Biographies.  Photo by Allan Nelson.

Relative Links: Hopi Pueblo, Native American Baskets, Pauline Quiyo, Hopi Second Mesa Basket Maker