Basket c. 1900 - 1930

Editor: Here we have a beautiful woven basket by an artist from the Chemehuevi culture, dating roughly from 1900 to 1930. It’s crafted from fibre, and the earthy tones give it such a natural, grounded feel. The star motif in the center really grabs my attention. What do you see in this piece? Curator: I see layers of meaning embedded in its very structure. The star itself, a potent symbol, echoing across cultures as representing guidance, hope, or destiny. In indigenous cultures, star motifs can link to ancestral stories or celestial knowledge. Do you think this could connect to their history, looking to the night sky? Editor: It definitely could. It makes me wonder if the star has a particular significance within the Chemehuevi culture? Also, the triangle patterns bordering the star; they almost give a sense of protection to the star within the woven container. Curator: Exactly! The repeating triangles could signify mountains, referencing the landscape they inhabited, perhaps acting as guardians. Considering it’s a basket, what about the concept of holding? The basket itself could represent a vessel of stories, skills, and traditions being passed down, each coil representing a generation. What feeling does that evoke in you? Editor: That brings another dimension to it - this basket as a container, carrying cultural memory! Knowing this could make me consider our connection to the past in relation to objects we have now. Thank you! Curator: The act of weaving becomes a tangible expression of continuity and resilience, as cultural beliefs get reshaped, reformed, and passed on to the new generations, ensuring that they will hold. Food for thought, isn't it?