Work Basket 1000 - 1476

This lidded work basket was woven by a Chancay artist in ancient Peru. It’s made from plant fibers, carefully interwoven to create a sturdy, rectangular form. The basket’s appearance is completely determined by its materiality and method of construction. The pliable fibers lend themselves perfectly to the weaving process, resulting in a surface that’s both tactile and visually appealing. The weaver has used contrasting colors to create a subtle geometric pattern, enhancing the basket's aesthetic appeal. This would have been a labor-intensive process, requiring skill, time and patience. Although we don’t know precisely what this basket was used for, it speaks to the importance of craft in everyday life. It challenges our tendency to separate ‘art’ from ‘craft’, suggesting that even the most functional objects can be imbued with beauty and meaning through the skillful manipulation of materials.