Double basket time

Two more baskets from a sale a year or two ago. I’d think there’s a pretty good chance they are both NA but won’t bet my bottom dollar. Very consistent material on the second one that seems a bit different than what I’ve seen on NA baskets. So, maybe that one’s not. I’ll leave it to more experienced eyes. I’d think the first one probably saw some use and is probably pretty old. 17” and 14” across respectively.

 

2nd looks to be a Navajo wedding basket , made by the Ute tribe .
looks not to have being used , or cleaned to the max..?
and left in the sun to dry..... for 50 years...
I've never yet seen one so faded...........

 

It was an old collection so I wouldn’t be surprised if it was literally in the sun for 50 years. I didn’t even realize there was color variation until I just looked at my post photos of the bottom. There is actually an exact match to this one, just a bit smaller that came with it. Exact same not used look and patina. Thanks for the ID!!!

 

Photos will sometimes enhance the colors ever so slightly..!

The 1st , I can't see well enuf...only to say a bundle coiled foundation..

 

It did in this case. Many times I see things in my photos I didn’t catch in hand. Less distraction and tighter focus in a photo. Zooming helps too often.

Well if you can’t nail down the first one I won’t hold my breath but I’ll hope one the other tribal minded sleuths see something they recognize.

 

I think the first one might be Akimel O'odham (Pima). They usually used bundles of finely split cattail, sewn with willow splints (not three rod coiling - that's some of the Apache groups). Alternatively, it could be an early Tohono O'odham (Papago), which could be very similar.

I agree that the second basket is a very faded wedding basket, which could have been made by a Navajo, Ute, or Southern Paiute weaver, for use in Navajo ceremonies.

 

yup....of course I got it ass backwards....

• Foundation: The structural core of the basket was a bundle of sun-dried cattail * (oodeak)* or bear grass.

I've noticed that I've started to loose my mind......so lately my answers are consistently half wrong. It's disconcerting .
I left the house today without my sunglasses......& I can't remember doing that before.
Thank you @2manybooks , for pointing out my error , & continue to do so as you see fit !

 

With that large dark round centre , I agree that Pima, is likely.

 

these seem to continue to be old baskets............

 

Thanks ve ry kick for the ID on the first and backup on the 2nd. Happen to have an estimation of age on either?

I’m curious, have you done any basket weaving? You seem to be very talented at recognizing technique and materials. It could be from just handling/viewing a lot of examples but I wonder if you have a deeper understanding of the craft? I really enjoy the finished product and I get a tiny bit better with time at knowing what I’m looking at but at the end of the day it’s bit like trying to read Chinese for me. At least when it comes to the details.

 

Definitely a confirmed old collection. They didn’t come cheap but I think I did well at the price I paid. There was only one person bidding against me. They were offered in good sized lots. I got the lesser quality lots. If not for that other bidder I’d have had a very good collection at bargain prices. It only takes one though.

 

It may not be what you're thinking of. Is it hot in Montreal? Heat can do that. I do the stupidest things in the heat we're having at the moment (which led to my bruised ribs).

It could also be a nutrition issue, which can happen even if you eat sensibly and varied. As you get older your body becomes less efficient at utilising some nutrients.

 

You are welcome. I trust you will do the same when my mental filing system malfunctions. It is a good thing I have so many books where things are actually written down......

 

Yes, I have made some baskets, which has provided insights into the techniques and the work involved. The weaving is actually one the easier parts. A great deal of time is spent gathering and and preparing the materials. I have also had the opportunity to handle many kinds of baskets.

 

Thanks...but I'm thinking , my thinking is becoming less efficient .....
Baskets .. that's my jam...and giving out wrong information , makes it look like I'm doing this just to hear myself talk.... it's embarrassing !

 

It happens, in one form or another, to all of us who weren't good enough to die young. You have my sympathy, Komo...but accept that you're blameless in this, an' not even a little bit alone.