Akimel O’Odham/Maricopa Deep Bowl Basket [R]

The basket would be best classed as Akimel O'odham/Maricopa variety with stitch-work consisting of split peeled willow over a foundation likely formed of cattail stem. The black design elements are formed utilizing Martynia, commonly known as Devils Claw, for the claw-like form the pod of the plant takes when dried out and split apart.

The design elements are very unusual and should be considered rare. Although it is not possible to know what the weaver of this basket was thinking, the imagery is quite compelling. Do the images represent a couple, an individual with the powers of a Medicine Man?  Or perhaps the weaver was exposed to one of the early Circus "freak shows" wherein a two headed "freak" was encountered. These "freak show" likenesses are known to be represented in other Southwestern Native Peoples, particularly in the pottery Monos of Cochiti Pueblo. Whatever the case, the basket is delightfully interesting.

Condition:  The basket is in excellent condition.

Provenance: ex. coll. Colorado basket collector.