I-0-66 Havasupai figured tray.
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 figured tray was collected between 1920 and 1940 by a schoolteacher working on the Havasupai reservation. It is quite interesting not only for its rather charming figural images but also for the change of white background materials in this basket. The darker material in the central part of the tray is sumac which switches to willow in order to complete the white.
The figures consist of both men and women (although the women have a distinctly ancient pictograph-like arm proportions). Coiling is to the left using three peeled willow rods (Salix) for the foundation of the coil. Sewing splints are split peeled sumac (Rhus) and split peeled willow for the white and split devils claw (Proboscidea) for the black.
A charming example with a definite folk art appeal. 7 1/2"d. by 1 3/4"deep. Circa 1930. $975.00