Hopi Pueblo Basketry OLLA with Katsina Imagery by Madeline Lamson [SOLD]

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Madeline Lamson, Hopi Second Mesa Basket Maker

Reference: This basket is pictured on page 53 of Gregory Schaaf’s American Indian Baskets 1: 1,500 Artist Biographies.  Photo by Allan Nelson.This massive olla-shaped basket was created by Hopi artist Madeline Lamson.  It is an incredible piece, crafted by an expert over an incredibly long period of time.  Its shape is similar to a Pueblo pottery water jar, but enlarged by a few inches.  Its rim varies a bit from a water jar’s, too, as it curves and then extends vertically for about two inches.  The basket’s shape is beautiful, and its large size really elevates its impact.

Lamson created 4 Katsina figures around the basket’s center.  The Katsinam are identical, and spaced out evenly around the basket.  Over their shoulders, Lamson created rain cloud designs.  They’re doing their job—five marks extend from the bottom of each trio of clouds, signifying rain.  Down below, plants wait to receive the precious water.  Each cloud formation is framed by a pair of lines.  These lines might remind the viewer of the “spread arm” designs seen occasionally on historic Pueblo pottery.  Imbrication accents were added in areas over the weft weave, including the feather, eyes, arm yarn, waist, fingers, moccasins, and rain sash.  This is a truly incredible example of the art of Hopi basketry.

Madeline Lamson is a Hopi artist who has been active since the 1950s.  She is a member of the Sun Forehead Clan and is from the village of Shungopavi.  She comes from a large family of artists.  She has exhibited widely and received many awards for her work.  Lamson creates baskets in a variety of forms, often featuring Katsina imagery. She is included in Helga Teiwes book Hopi Basket Weaving: Artistry in Natural Fibers, pp 91-95

Condition: this Hopi Pueblo Basketry OLLA with Katsina Imagery by Madeline Lamson is in excellent condition

Provenance: from the large collection of Allan Nelson, an avid Native American art collector.  Purchased directly from the artist.

Reference: This basket is pictured on page 53 of Gregory Schaaf’s American Indian Baskets 1: 1,500 Artist Biographies.  Image by Allan Nelson.

Relative Links: Hopi PuebloNative American Baskets, Katsina-Kachina DollMadeline Lamson, Hopi Second Mesa Basket Maker

Close up view.

Madeline Lamson, Hopi Second Mesa Basket Maker
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