Basket c. 20th century

This basket was woven by a member of the Tohono O’odham community, also known as the Papago, of the Sonoran Desert in what is now southern Arizona and northwestern Mexico. The art of basketry holds a central place in the social and cultural life of the O’odham, traditionally serving both utilitarian and ceremonial functions. The concentric design and careful craftsmanship of this basket speak to the cultural values placed on resourcefulness, sustainability, and the creative expression of cultural identity. In a region defined by its arid climate, the basket is a potent symbol of human resilience and adaptation. Scholars of material culture and ethnography can provide crucial insights into the traditions of weaving. By studying the artwork alongside historical records, we can better understand the cultural values and social structures that shaped its creation. This kind of research enriches our understanding of art as something deeply embedded within cultural and institutional contexts.