Posted 8 years ago
Headwaters
(1 item)
I have been collecting native baskets for a long time. I got this a flea market
a few weeks back. I initially thought this was Papago or Pima. It is approximately 9x 8 high and a bundle foundation with tight coil weave. I have never seen a Papago or Pima with this shape and the geometric pattern seems more like Southern California origin.
But after studying it and researching as best I can, I suspect it could be African. Can anyone please help and tell me if this Native American or African? Thank you.
Yes, it's African, from the Okavango region of Botswana. Similar colors as Pima and Papago coiled baskets, but they would be made from yucca. Botswana baskets like this are made from leaves of the Mokola palm, and have a slightly different look. Plus, as you mentioned, this is not a form associated with Pima or Papago baskets, nor are the design patterns. (And it probably originally had a lid.)