Marti Struever Navajo Basket Collection

This exhibit of seven baskets of the Diné of the Navajo Nation is from the personal collection and estate of Santa Fe dealer and collector Marti Struever.  Marti set about to collect a variety of baskets of the Diné that displayed changes in style and design over the course of the nineteenth century—the period when the women of the tribe made baskets for their own use and for the use of the medicine man.  During the basket making process, an incredibly specific set of restrictions was enforced on the weaver. These restrictions limited production, and the Diné people began obtaining their baskets from the Ute and Paiute tribes, who were not bound to these rules.  Most Navajo ceremonial baskets produced after the beginning of the twentieth century were, in fact, made for the Diné people by the Ute and Paiute people.

This exhibit includes both—baskets made by Diné women, and baskets made by Ute and Paiute weavers for use by Diné people.  Because of their intended purpose, all are considered to be Navajo ceremonial baskets.

The seven baskets range in diameter from around 12 inches to over 16 inches.  Their designs vary from simple to quite complicated. A review of these seven baskets illustrates the gradual development from completely unique basket designs to what would ultimately become the standard design.  That design, which is seen in some of these pieces, is still in use today.

It is our pleasure to present this exhibit of Marti Struever’s baskets.  We hope you enjoy viewing it as much as we have enjoyed presenting it.