Basket c. 20th century

This basket was made by the Tohono O’odham, or Papago, people, and its warm, earthy tones really speak to me. Look at the way the dark fibers dance against the lighter ones, creating these striking geometric patterns. I love thinking about the hands that carefully wove each strand, the patient rhythm of creation. You can almost feel the texture, the give and take of the materials. It's not just about function, right? It’s about the artistry imbued in every coil. Notice the way the darker fiber is distributed. It reminds me of the way that a painter like Paul Klee might approach a canvas – building a work up from small, distinct marks that when viewed together give the whole piece its form. This reminds me that art is all about process, about engaging with the world in a tactile, thoughtful way. It's a conversation that extends beyond any one piece, echoing across cultures and time. It’s about embracing the beauty of imperfection, of seeing the world not in fixed meanings but in endless possibilities.