Basketry
GALLERY 1

Tohono O'odham
Basketry

This basket design was described by the weaver, Phyliss Jones, as being "four dogs barking at a cat". It measures 13 inches across, priced at $300.   Phyliss, who was born in Fresnal Village at the foot of the Baboquivari Mountains in 1960, has been weaving since age 7, learning from her mother and grandmother.   When talking about her work and why she weaves, she said, "making baskets keeps my mind clear."

These are Navajo ceremonial baskets (ts’aa’) woven of sumac (rhus trilobata/chi?ihin).   Often called wedding baskets as they are used in wedding ceremonies, they hold sacred cornmeal (corn meal that has been blessed by the Hatahli or Medicine Man).   The design has an opening which must always face East, the direction from which the sun rises and all blessings come, also the direction from which no evil can enter the basket and the cornmeal that is used as a prayer blessing.

At left is a basket by Lorraine Black, 9.5 by 3.5 inches,   $300.   At right is one by Sonja Black, 9.75 by 2 inches.   $215.

This Seri basket was woven of limberbush (jatropha cuneata) in a star pattern they call "azoj canoj it ihiij" by Maria Morales.   It measures 12.5 inches across and 1.25 inches deep, 3 coils per inch.   $300.

Details in the
Collector's Gallery.

A rainbow herd of horses grazing at night, by Chris Johnson, for whom horses are a frequent subject, measuring 15.75 inches across.   $1750.

A great example of the innovative work being created by Navajo basket weavers in south eastern Utah.   This one, with yei'iis, was woven by Alicia Nelson (photo available).   10.75 by 3.5 inches.   5 coils per inch.   $1,450.

The matriarch of Navajo weavers, Mary Holiday Black.