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For auction is a stellar vintage (circa 1930s-40s) ceremonial HOPI COIL BASKET PLAQUE with the classic BUTTERFLY MAIDEN KACHINA/KATSINA . The basket is in rare excellent "crisp" condition with some very light fading, and awesome patina. Except for a few "pin head" size specks of dryed cornmeal (?) the auction item is "tight" with no flaws, wear issues, or damage. This item is from the village of Shungopavi, Second Mesa, Hopi Reservation, Arizona and includes the following:

1) A nice size plaque that measures 9.8" across and is made of yucca leaves and Galletta grass which took a long period to process and prepare before the basket could be made. The white and yellow shades in the basket composition are the natural colors of the yucca. The black and red-brown colors come from natural dyes.

2) Butterfly Maiden Katsina, or Poli Mana, is the visually stunning image woven in the basket. The feather plume bundle which is on the forehead of the real Butterfly Maiden Katsina is represented in the basket by a linear patch of cross stitches. The central designs and motifs used in the coil baskets are sacred in Hopi culture and key elements in the traditional Hopi belief system.

3) In general, plaques like this that have Kachina figures are highly collectable and worth more than plaques with other design elements from Second Mesa.

4) The auction item is bold, well intact, and in museum quality condition. Even the plaque hanging loop is well made and in great shape!

5) This is the real authentic vintage item!!

The age, excellent condition, fine composition, classic Katsina motif, rich set of colors and its important traditional/ceremonial role in Hopi Indian culture, make this a highly collectable item. Make no mistake, this article was made by a highly accomplished and skilled basket maker. This article will make a fine addition to any serious Southwest or Hopi basket collection. I have a low starting price and no minimum reserve for the auction. Don't let this auction get away!!!!!!

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