Large Native American Indian Basket antique

Click thumbnails for expanded view.

Sold

$500.00

Item Not Available

Rare Large Native American Indian Basket with a snaking pattern constructed with a bulging middle was an ingenious design to maximize storage volume and capacity, note the rich red and brown tones were used to decorate the zig-zag and human depictions on both the inside and outside of the basket. This unusually large sized basket would make a superb addition to any fine collection. Based on early evidence, we know that prior to contact with European cultures, the basket-making tribes of the American West had created a repertoire of basket shapes and design elements specific, if not unique, to each tribal grouping. Tribal customs and artistic traditions dictated that basketry styles remained rather constant over time with little emphasis on experimentation or innovation. The volatile impact which Euro-Americans had on the native cultures was eventually reflected in the material culture of the various tribal groups, basketry being no exception. These newcomers had little interest in Native American basketry until the late 19th century when the belief that the native cultures of the West were soon to disappear. Motivated by this belief, some individuals began collecting Native American cultural material with an enthusiasm and appreciation previously unknown. App Size: 13.5" Height x 16" Diameter