Four Matching Finely Woven Paiute Butterfly Basketry Plaques by Rose Ann Whiskers [SOLD]

This collection of four matching San Juan Paiute baskets by Rose Ann Whiskers features one of her favorite designs—the butterfly.  With her prize-winning skill of weaving the finest, most intricate coiled baskets, the artist made this series of four small, multicolored plaques. With up to 20 stitches and 7 coils to the inch, each basket contains three delicate butterflies surrounded by traditional Diné basket designs. 

Rose Ann was born in 1952 and has been a basket weaver since she was a young girl. She lives in the western part of the Navajo reservation. Her baskets are made in a similar manner to Diné baskets. She uses sumac as her medium and aniline dyes for color. The crisp vibrant colors and delineation of beautiful butterflies testify to the artist’s skillful technique.

Her popular butterfly design can be interpreted as a symbol of metamorphosis—the self emerging into something beautiful as the result of hard work and determination. This group of small baskets is evidence of Rose Ann Whisker’s own dedication to keeping a traditional art form alive and exciting. To have four matching baskets made by this prize-winning artist is a rare find. 

Condition: The Four Matching Finely Woven Paiute Butterfly Basketry Plaques by Rose Ann Whiskers are in excellent, like new condition. 

Provenance: The baskets come from the personal collection of Marti Struever, Santa Fe dealer and collector.

Recommended Reading: Southwestern Indian Baskets: Their History and Their Makers by Andrew Whiteford, et al