Hopi Pueblo Wicker Plaque from Third Mesa [SOLD]

Basket weaving at Second Mesa and Third Mesa differ considerably even though the two are only 10 miles apart. At Third Mesa, the baskets are made from wild currant bush and rabbit brush. The bark is peeled from the stems or twigs and they are dyed and used whole. They derive their name from the wicker weave technique used. The edge is finished in yucca.

The bride's family is obligated to give the groom's family baskets such as this as payment for the groom's family having woven the bridal clothes.  This one is beautifully woven with warm mellow colors of salmon, white, grey, yellow and green.

The original sales tag from the Museum of Northern Arizona Hopi Craftsman Exhibition from June 3, 1974 is still attached and lists the weaver as Mildred Albert of Hotevilla.

Condition:  The basket is in excellent condition with the normal amount of fading of colors on the front side that has been exposed to light

Provenance: from a gentleman in Longmont, CO

Recommended Reading:  Hopi Basket Weaving: Artistry in Natural Fibers by Helga Teiwes.  This book is currently not available from Adobe Gallery