Jicarilla Apache Polychrome Cylindrical Tall Basket [SOLD]

Fine basket weaving has been a Jicarilla Apache tradition for centuries but the quality and beauty of the baskets was not well-recognized until the 1950s, when traders of the area began to enter the baskets in the Gallup Inter-tribal Indian Ceremonial.

The work of basket maker Tanzanita Pesata (1885-1968) stands out from this era. Pesata began to experiment with different colors and new forms. In addition to traditional plant and mineral dyes, she used aniline dyes that her Navajo neighbors were using to dye yarn for rugs. As the outside market opened, Tanzanita began to improvise by making objects for tourists. She made deep bowls, fishing creels and large hampers with lids. She used traditional geometric designs as well as adding motifs from her own imagination.

This large hamper is quite possibly the fine work of Tanzanita Pesata. The basket design includes animals and stars, in colors of black and red.  There are two slots in the basket wall for hand holds.  It is perfectly symmetrical and although it cannot be verified that Pesata made it, it is very like the style for which she was known.    

The Jicarilla Apache Reservation is in the northern part of central New Mexico. The name Jicarilla comes from the Spanish word for “little basket.” When the Spaniards arrived, in what is now New Mexico, they were impressed by the small pitch-covered baskets which the Jicarilla used for holding drinking water. These small baskets were tightly woven and covered with piñon pitch to make them waterproof.

Condition: this Jicarilla Apache Polychrome Cylindrical Tall Basket is in good condition with few missing stitches

Provenance: from the collection of a Colorado resident

Recommended Reading:  Apache Indian Baskets by Clara Lee Tanner