Pima Basket

Early 20th century handwoven Pima (also known as Akimel O'odham) basket by an unknown artist. The Pima tribe, located in central and southern Arizona, are well known for their basketry. At the turn of the century, the baskets served as a vital instrument used for religious ceremonies, carrying, preparing and serving food, washing, collecting, storing, trading, payment, and gifting. Traditional basket materials included willow, cattail, devil's claw, beargrass, yucca, and yucca root. The start of the basket, the center, is usually designed using a four square or plaited knot technique. Then the plant bundles were wrapped around the start and stitched with the willow or yucca and devil's claw splints. This particular finely woven basket is embellished with a fret design.

Condition: Very good with a couple of broken stitches and aged patina.

Circa: 1910