Papago Basket with Plants, Animals, and Human Figures [SOLD]

This polychrome basket was woven by a Tohono O'odham (Papago) artist. As is usually the case with basketry, we are unable to identify the artist. All we can do is commend the beauty and individuality that we see in their work.

This basket was woven tightly, with careful and consistent work resulting in a form that is substantial and sturdy. Its tall, round form is perfectly balanced and symmetrical, and there are no major condition issues to speak of.

The basket's most unique attribute is the number and variety of figurative designs that appear around the interior and exterior. The viewer will see snakes, centipedes, bats, humans, and large cacti, working together to form a large and lively group. Very few baskets offer such a scene, and this one does so beautifully.

Condition: excellent condition

Provenance: this Papago Basket with Plants, Animals, and Human Figures is from the collection of a client of Adobe Gallery

Recommended Reading:  Indian Baskets of the Southwest by Clara Lee Tanner

TAGS: Pima, Southwest Indian Basketry, Papago, Apache