Hopi Indian coiled basketry plaque - yucca

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Hopi Indian coiled basketry plaque - yucca - old

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Hopi Indian coiled basketry plaque - yucca - old

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Sold Date: 07/19/2009
Channel: Online Auction
Source: eBay
Category: Advertising

Hopi Indian coiled plaque - yucca- maker unknown .

This is an absolutely authentic old Hopi basket , made primarily from yucca leaves, measuring 8.5 inches in diameter. It was crafted by a highly skilled woman from the Hopi Indian tribe of northern Arizona. Regrettably, her name did not remain associated with this item.

Looks familiar?! 's why: I goofed. I had this basket listed under a classification that requires a maker's name, and eBay removed it. This is the same basket, and nothing has changed except it is now listed in a new category , and I have added more photos and a few more details to the description.

This kind of basket is typical of old-style Hopi coiled basketry, with thick coils and exceptionally even stitches. It is made in a manner that has been used for centuries by Hopi women and their forebears. At this point in its history, the basket cannot be dated precisely, but based on details of the technique and the condition, I estimate it is from the first decades of the twentieth century.

The technique is beautiful and suggests the work of an adept and experienced basket maker. Note the gradual, even growth of the coil diameter from the center, and its gradual taper on the outer rim. The coils are firm and the stitches are extremely even.

IMPORTANT: This basket is in rather rough condition. Although it is slightly flexible overall (it doesn’t crackle when flexed), numerous stitches (especially on the outermost coil) have become brittle, have broken, and are missing. Additionally, t is a red stain on one part of the rim (ink?) and a greenish glue or paint blob on the second coil in from the rim. T is also a hole between the outermost two coils w something like a nail has been forced through, probably for hanging. On the back of the basket, t is an area about ½ inch x ¼ inch w stitches are missing from the black coil. Please review the photos carefully; they are sharp and can be enlarged to view details.

Despite its condition, this lovely old basket has potential value for many purposes. I love the serene beauty of Hopi basketry, and many years ago, I bought this as a “rescue” because I admired the excellence of the work, despite the condition. I’m downsizing now, and in a smaller house, and I have to part with some of the things I’ve held onto over the years...including this. I hope someone will find a way to value a skilled Hopi woman’s work from decades past, perhaps for a study of technique or for some other purpose.

Thank you for considering this basket. Good luck bidding!