Basket 1900 - 1915

This basket was made by an artist from the Tübatulabal people, its precise date unknown, using a coiled technique. The form is built up gradually, by spiraling a core material – probably plant fiber - and then stitching it in place with an outer wrapping. Notice how the basket is decorated with a band of geometric motifs; these patterns emerge directly from the coiling process, which allows for controlled embellishment. Consider the time and labor involved in producing this object. The maker would have needed expertise in harvesting and preparing the materials, as well as the technical skill to create a perfectly functional, visually striking form. This speaks to the rich heritage of Indigenous American basketry, which has long been undervalued as a form of artistic expression. Looking closely at this basket, we can appreciate the sophistication of its design and the artistry inherent in its making, challenging any divide between art and craft.