This basket was made on the Tohono O’odham Reservation in Southern Arizona, outside Tucson, bordered to the East by historic San Xavier and on the West by Organ Pipe National Monument.

It was hand woven by a slow process, uniquely designed and crafted from hand picked and harvested natural, native materials, using the Yucca Cactus, both white and green. Bear Grass was used to provide the inner core of the basket, and Devil’s Claw was used to provide the black design.

The Man-in-the-Maze is regarded as an old design. The Tohono O’odham call it Elder Brother’s House and say that it depicts the pattern of devious trails by which their legendary hero Siuu-Huki evaded powerful enemies. It is a favored design by collectors. It is in excellent condition.

EXPLANATION OF ATTRIBUTION: In personal communication with Mark Bahti, we learned the maker of this plaque. To quote Bahti: “It was made years ago by Frances Manuel of San Pedro Village—I think she was honored in some capacity by SWAIA this year. She is an old (literally) and dear friend. I’d recognize her work most anywhere. And so far, only she makes (made) that old style maze.”

Recommended Reading: Indian Baskets of the Southwest, (click here to view details of book) by Clara Lee Tanner. 1983. University of Arizona Press. (This out-of-print book may be available from Adobe Gallery)