Traditional Akimel O'odham - Pima Basketry OLLA [R]

The Akimel O’odham (River People—Pima) were major basket makers in the late 19th century, primarily making them for their own use. At the turn of the following century, basket weaving was being practiced in every home. This continued into the early 20th century.  By the 1920s, basket weaving had all but disappeared. By 1960, they were not even making baskets for their own use. They had, by then, substituted commercially made pots and pans for utilitarian use. What few baskets were made were to satisfy a commercial market of collectors.

The unknown maker of this OLLA or jar intended it for the commercial market as it shows no evidence of use by a tribal member.  It features a series of stacked rows of stepped elevations, from the very first row at the base of the OLLA to the last row at the rim.

This OLLA is an exact match to another one on our site that is listed as item #C4065E.  It is apparent that the same artisan made both and probably at the same time.

Condition: the Traditional Akimel O'odham - Pima Basketry OLLA  is in remarkable condition.  The bottom of the basket is without wear or damage.

Provenance: from the collection of a family from Denver, Colorado

Recommended Reading: Indian Baskets of the Southwest by Clara Lee Tanner