Very Large Papago Man in the Maze Plaque [SOLD]

According to O'odham oral history, the man-in-the-maze labyrinth design depicts experiences and choices we make in our journey through life. In the middle of the "maze," a person finds his or her dreams and goals. When one reaches the center, there is one final opportunity (the last turn in the design) to look back upon our choices and path, before the Sun God greets us, blesses us and passes us into the next world.

One of the favorite designs of the Pima (Akimel O’odham) and Papago (Tohono O´odham) was that of the Man in the Maze.  Most women from both O’odham tribes have stopped making baskets because they are unable to receive sufficient compensation for the hours and days spent making baskets.  This very large plaque probably dates to the mid-20^th century.

Condition: original condition

Provenance: this Very Large Papago Man in the Maze Plaque is from the estate of a prominent Santa Fe family

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