Posted 5 years ago
jthomson
(2 items)
I bought a stack of southwestern baskets at an estate auction. It is likely that it was not bought in the last 10 years, but that's speculation on my part. The stack contained several Tohono O'odham baskets I am comfortable are authentic, but two of the baskets in the stack are head-scratchers for me. This is a tightly woven bowl (9" across and about 5" tall). The black is much more intense than Devil's Claw and the weave is smaller and tighter than a TO or Pima coil basket usually is. Also, it's a bit flexible, except for a few spots like the edge of the base. I am doubtful it's US made, but would love to know what it is! Thanks!
If CanyonRoad, sees this Basket you'll probably find out where it was made! :^D Very nice day it sounds like jthomson, welcome to CW! We all like to learn about what people collect! :^)
The combination of materials and weaving techniques are those used by any Native American basket makers.
I would suspect it is what is generally called an Arts and Crafts Movement basket. These were made in the early 1900's by non-Indian women, who had an interest in making "Indian-style" baskets, as a result of the renewed interest in handmade crafts. Several books were published, giving details on how to make "Indian" baskets. George Wharton James was the best-selling author of the one most often used.
The designs may be patterned after Indian baskets, but the baskets were made from rattan and raffia, rather than the native materials used by the Indian weavers. Also, they are almost always coiled, since that is a technique much more easily mastered than twined basketry.
Thanks CanyonRoad, I knew that you would have the information needed for this Basket! :^)
That's neat. I had no idea there was a movement to emulate coil basketry 100 years ago. I have to say these piece doesn't look that old, but it could have really been made at any time, I suppose. I have another mystery I'll post in a little while. Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge with me!
True, it might be newer (but not older) than the early 1900s. The books, instructions, and materials are still available, so it could have been made any time since. The craftsmanship leaves a little to be desired, so was probably made by a hobby crafter or inexperienced basketmaker.
Here jthomson, something that might be of interest to you:
http://karukbasketmaterials.blogspot.com/2014/
Karen is my 4th? cousin on my Father's side, and Emma Pearch was our Great Great Grandmother, and a Karuk Basket Weaver, on the Klamath River Northern California, in the 1840's-1900's. Karen is trying to keep the skill of traditional Karuk Tribe Basket Weaving alive, and Teaching the old methods. :^)