The Pima have, in the last decade, returned to their original name, in their language, Akimel O'odham. They are known as extraordinary basket makers. Dyes are not used in their baskets. The materials are used in their natural colors. The foundation is comprised of bear grass and the covering materials are yucca leaves, in a sun-bleached state, and devil's claw for the brown decoration.

Small baskets such as this one were made in the late 1800s and early 1900s as items for sale to visitors to their villages. The design element was executed from Devil’s Claw. All materials are natural without the use of dyes. This basket is in excellent condition.

Reference: Indian Basketmakers of the Southwest, (click here to view details of book) by Larry Dalrymple. Available from Adobe Gallery.