Offered is a large antique Southwestern Native American coiled olla-form basket attributed to Western Apache, possibly Yavapai, and believed to date approximately 1900–1925.
Measuring approximately 15" tall × 11" wide, the basket has the rounded, high-shouldered olla/storage-vessel form associated with historic Southwestern basketry.
CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN
The basket is constructed using a multi-rod coiled foundation consistent with three-rod construction found in historic Western Apache and Yavapai basketry. Areas of stitch loss expose the bundled foundation rods and clearly show the construction technique.
It is woven from natural vegetal fibers in contrasting light and dark tones. The dark brown/black decorative material appears consistent with devil's claw, traditionally used in Southwestern basketry, while the lighter material appears consistent with willow/cottonwood-type fiber.
The exterior features extensive dark geometric decoration arranged in horizontal registers, including stepped, angular and block-form motifs.
Its size, olla form, construction and geometric decoration compare favorably with documented historic Western Apache and related Yavapai basketry from the early 20th century.
CONDITION — PLEASE READ
This approximately century-old basket has substantial age/use wear and base structural damage.
Condition includes scattered missing/broken stitches, exposed foundation rods, rim wear/losses, abrasions, discoloration, drying and deterioration of the natural fibers.
IMPORTANT: The center portion of the bottom has separated from the basket, leaving a substantial circular opening. The detached ORIGINAL coiled base section is present and WILL BE INCLUDED.
The detached section has intentionally NOT been glued, taped, wired or otherwise permanently reattached, allowing the new owner to determine whether professional conservation is appropriate.
The basket should be considered fragile and handled carefully.
Please examine ALL photographs closely. Photos are an important part of the condition description and clearly show the basket, weaving, exposed foundation, bottom damage and detached original section.
ATTRIBUTION / AGE DISCLAIMER
This basket is offered as an antique Southwestern Native American basket attributed to Western Apache, possibly Yavapai, circa 1900–1925, based on its observable form, construction, materials and decoration and comparison with documented historic examples.
The tribal/cultural attribution and date have NOT been independently authenticated by a tribal authority, museum, professional appraiser or recognized basketry specialist and are not guaranteed.
Historic Western Apache and Yavapai basketry can share closely related materials and construction characteristics, making definitive attribution difficult without documented provenance.
No documented provenance accompanies this basket. Maker unknown.
The vegetal materials have not been scientifically tested. References to willow/cottonwood and devil's claw are informed visual attributions and are not guaranteed.
No modern restoration is known to the seller. The seller has not intentionally cleaned, oiled, varnished or refinished the basket.
MEASUREMENTS
Height: Approx. 15"
Maximum Width: Approx. 11"
Measurements are approximate.
SHIPPING
FREE SHIPPING within the contiguous United States.
Because of its age and fragile condition, the basket will be carefully packed. The detached original base section will be separately protected and included.
PLEASE NOTE
This is an antique object with significant wear and damage and is not represented as being in perfect or restored condition. Please review every photograph and the complete description before purchasing.
Colors may vary slightly due to lighting and display settings. Measurements are approximate.
Sold as pictured and described. Questions are welcome before purchase.
All Sales Are Final. No Returns.
Please make sure to look at all photos and and condition of basket before purchasing.
This is an amazing find and displays very well as the damaged area is in the bottom.
We will be happy to provide additional photos upon request.
Please see our other listings for several other baskets from this collection.
Related Items:Too many requests.
