fibre-art, weaving, textile
fibre-art
pottery
weaving
textile
earthenware
indigenous-americas
Dimensions 4 3/16 × 8 3/8 × 8 3/8 in. (10.64 × 21.27 × 21.27 cm)
This basket was crafted by a Yokuts artist, a Native American people from the San Joaquin Valley in California. Basket weaving is not just craft but a deeply ingrained cultural practice, often passed down through generations of women. The Yokuts people have inhabited the San Joaquin Valley for thousands of years, and their traditions reflect a profound connection to the land. Look closely and you'll notice the intricate designs, potentially depicting symbolic representations of the human figure. These patterns reflect the values and stories that are central to the Yokuts community. During the time that this basket was made, The Yokuts experienced immense cultural disruption due to colonization and forced assimilation. Despite these challenges, the creation of baskets such as this served as a means of cultural preservation and resistance. It embodies the strength and resilience of the Yokuts people.
Comments
An Indigenous woman artist made this basket, in early 20th century California, using locally harvested materials including grasses and roots, gathered through a deeply complex understanding of the local ecology. Harvesting is just the beginning of a long process of the preparation of materials that must happen before each artist can sit down to weave. This basket shows a range of motifs, from abstract to figural as well as added red yarn embellishment, a creative use of imported materials.
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