Hopi Pueblo, Third Mesa Wicker Plaques


March 26, 2022 until June 30, 2022

“The flat, perfectly round basket tray, commonly called a plaque because of its almost flat shape . . . constitutes the most common form of Hopi basketry. . . Many are made for sales purposes, and an astonishing number of them enter the non-Hopi market.  However, an even greater number of plaques never leave the reservation, because within the Hopi social structure plaques serve to reaffirm the links between families and clan members.

“Thus, plaques play an important role in ‘paybacks’ for a Hopi bride’s wedding robes, and the required number seems to increase every year.  Plaques are also given as gifts to repay favors or work performed by the receiver and as prizes to winners of foot races.  Finally, they have symbolic meaning for newborn babies, toddlers, and small girls; they are specially made for use in kiva ceremonies and rituals; and, perhaps most of all, plaques are proudly and reverently displayed in basket dances of the women’s societies.” [Teiwes,1996:51-52]

The Third Mesa wicker plaques presented in this exhibit are older—mostly from the mid-twentieth century.  They are in good condition with some color fading.  We present these for your enjoyment and purchase.

Reference: Teiwes, Helga. Hopi Basket Weaving Artistry in Natural Fibers, University of Arizona Press, 1996

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