I-0-62 Havasupai bowl.
The Havasupai are a Yuman speaking people belonging to the Pai branch of the of the Cochimi-Yuman linguistic family. Their name means “People of the Blue Waters” and they continue to dwell in the Grand Canyon region of northwest Arizona. Interestingly, they maintained a close alliance with their eastern neighbors, the Hopi. Their basketry was primarily a twined tradition, closely resembling the work of the Paiute Indians to the north until about 1880 at which time coiled baskets began to be woven in conjunction with twined wares By 1895, coiling became the predominant basketry form produced by the Havasupai and these were frequently traded to the Hopi. This charming little bowl was collected between 1920 and 1940 by a school teacher working on the Havasupai reservation. It exhibits a pair of dogs as part of the design and, while finely woven, the start of the basket is remarkably fine. Coiling is to the left using three peeled willow rods (Salix) for the foundation of the coil. The sewing splints are split peeled willow for the white and split devils claw (Proboscidea) for the black. A wonderful little example from the Grand Canyon.
4 1/4 inches d. by 2 1/2 inches h. Circa 1930. $1,750.00