Coiled Storage Basket with Serrated-line Design 1880 - 1890

Editor: Here we have a beautiful coiled storage basket with a serrated-line design, made between 1880 and 1890 by an artist from the Pomo culture. It's a woven piece, and what really strikes me is its quiet strength. It feels both utilitarian and deeply personal. What do you see in this piece? Curator: For me, it's like holding a whisper of history, a story woven – quite literally! – into the very fibres. Look at the precision of that coiling, the careful repetition of those geometric patterns. Imagine the hands that created this, the patience, the artistry passed down through generations. It feels more than just a basket, doesn't it? Editor: Absolutely. I was reading a bit about Pomo basketry, and it said they were often used for ceremonial purposes too. Does that influence how you see the object? Curator: Definitely. Thinking about its possible use changes everything. Is it a simple storage vessel, or a sacred object? The zigzag designs could symbolize so much - lightning, mountains, the pathways of life. It reminds me of ancient songs and stories, still resonating in the object today. Editor: That’s fascinating. It makes you think about all the hidden meanings that might be there. Curator: Exactly! And consider the materials themselves - gathered from the land, each with its own spirit. There’s a dialogue happening between the artist, the environment, and the intended purpose. Editor: I love that – "a dialogue." It really reframes how I think about it. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure! And who knows, maybe its spirit will sing to you as well, just like this artifact is doing.