I-11-26 Kawaiisu bottleneck jar.
The Kawaiisu (they referred to themselves as Paiutes) were a small tribe never numbering more than a few hundred individuals in historic times. They spoke the Numic branch of the Uto-Aztecan linguistic family and dwelled primarily in the western half of the Mojave Desert in southern California, concentrated mostly along the eastern flank of the Tehachapi Mountains. This handsome small bottleneck was called a “sivoron (I) zi” by the Kawaiisu. Such jars were not only treasured by the Kawaiisu but also by early collectors. It has a wide rattlesnake band around its mid section and from this rises four vertical bands (possibly also representing snakes) which gradually taper as they ascend the neck of the jar. This is an unusual but pleasing feature. While it is often difficult to distinguish between Kawaiisu and Tubatulabal basketry, the use of only desert materials in this piece suggests a more likely Kawaiisu origin. Coiling is to the right using a bundle of deer grass (Muhlenbergia) for the foundation of the coil. The sewing splints are split peeled willow (Salix) for the white (now a rich honey color), split devils claw (Proboscidea) for the black and split Joshua Tree root (Yucca) for the red.
A fine example in excellent condition and nice patina. 6"d. by 4 ½" h. Circa 1890. $5,250.00