Baskets
| | Basketry is probably the oldest and most wide-spread craft/art developed by Native Americans. Almost every tribal group made and used baskets of one kind of another. In recent times, hand-woven Native American baskets have become increasingly rare. There are many reasons why, from simple economics to a dwindling number of Native American basket artists willing to spend the time needed to gather and prepare the materials and then carefully craft the basket. Basketry is a year-round endeavor that requires patience and skill as well as a knowledge of plants, times to harvest and vegetal dye processes. Toh-Atin is pleased to present such a fine, diverse collection of Native American baskets, from older, antique, baskets to those made more recently. Following are only a small number of the woven baskets we currently carry in the gallery. If you are looking for a special basket, let us know and we will do our best to find it for you. For more information and photos of other baskets, click the image. | | | | |
| | APACHE burden baskets are made from available materials such as willow or sumac. Since the Apaches were once nomadic hunters and gatherers, the women wove these baskets to carry firewood, roots and berries. The tassels were made from deer or cow skin, mainly for ceremonial or decorative uses. Two of the theories why the "tinkling" tin was placed on the tassels are: to warn snakes away while gathering, or for a son-in-law to show respect by getting out of his mother-in-law's way! We also have a selection of many of the other fine baskets made by the Apache people. | |  | | |
| | From their mesas in north-eastern Arizona, the HOPI create baskets of remarkable quality and variety. Baskets are a central way of Hopi life, as they are used during ceremonial dances, weddings and other important events. Hopi basketry can often be distinguished from other traditions by their use of deep, bright color. | |  | | |
| | NAVAJO WEDDING BASKETS are woven by both the Navajo and Paiute weavers of the Southwest, and are made entirely out of sumac and decorated with natural or aniline dyes. At a Navajo marriage, a new basket is required to serve traditional corn meal mush to the wedding couple, then it is passed around for the guests. It is commonly believed that a Navajo basket in your home is a blessing. We also have other Navajo baskets. | |  | | |
| | PIMA (AKIMEL O'DHAM) and PAPAGO (TOHONO O'ODHAM) are desert people who produced magnificent baskets with special characteristics. Until recently, their narrowly-coiled baskets were made of cattail or bear grass and were closely stitched with willow splints. The Pima no longer weave many baskets, but the Papago, or Tohono O'odham, have been developing baskets for the market made from yucca splints, and the workmanship is of such high quality that they have become very highly regarded. | |  | | |
Miniature bark and grass basket measures 2 inches in diameter. There is a white star design in the central focal point of the basket. Finely woven with seven wrapped coils, leading to the center.
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