Basket c. 20th century

This circular basket at the Minneapolis Institute of Art was made without a date by Beta Israel, also known as Falasha. Imagine someone carefully spiraling the fibers, weaving the circular form outwards, creating a colorful pattern. The basket has a delightful sense of rhythm and repetition. There's a push and pull between the symmetry of the circle and the way the colors playfully interrupt it with pink, green, and purple. Small squares of gold jump across the woven surface like dots. You can feel the maker's hand in the work, their attention to detail, and the slow, meditative process of building it. The basket reminds me of Hilma af Klint’s early abstract paintings, or even some of the psychedelic patterns of Yayoi Kusama. Artists are always borrowing from each other, across time and cultures. Even in its functionality, this basket transcends its purpose; it’s a vibrant expression of color, form, and the beauty of the handmade.