Basket c. 20th century

This basket was woven by a Tohono O’odham artist, using natural fibres to create a striking design. Just imagine the artist at work, patiently coiling and stitching, building up the form, one tiny element at a time. The surface is full of subtle textures, a kind of topography that invites you to touch. It’s a slow, meditative process, demanding total attention. The dark figures parade around the perimeter, their stylized forms echoing one another in a rhythmic dance. I wonder what stories or beliefs these images embody? It puts me in mind of other artists who work with repetition and pattern. Think of Agnes Martin's grids or the obsessive details in some outsider art. There's a similar sense of dedication, of finding meaning through sustained, repetitive action. This basket feels like a conversation across time, a testament to human creativity and ingenuity. It demonstrates the artist’s commitment to their materials and their culture.