Hopi Third Mesa Wicker Pictorial Plaque [SOLD]

Third Mesa wicker plaques, or yungyapy, as they are called at Hopi are the most common form of basketry at Third Mesa. Although a large number are made for sale, even a larger number never leave the reservation. They are used in payment for the Hopi bride's wedding robes, used as gifts to repay favors or for work performed, or as prizes in footraces. They are also used as part of the dance paraphernalia in women's dances and as gifts to newborn babies.

This plaque features a katsina face. Pictorial baskets such as this are extremely desirable by collectors. As is normal on all Third Mesa baskets, the dye has very slightly faded on the front and is more vivid on the back.

Condition: very good condition, with minimal fading of colors.

Recommended Reading: Circles of Life: Katsina Imagery on Hopi Wicker Basketry by Judith and Andrew Finger

Provenance: from a gentleman from Denver