Polychrome Gambling Tray 1890 - 1900

This Polychrome Gambling Tray was made by a member of the Yokuts people, its precise date unknown. Made of plant fibers, this is a beautiful example of basketry as high art. The tray's woven structure is more than just functional; it's a testament to skill and cultural expression. The weaving process itself involves meticulous coiling and stitching, which demands time, patience, and practiced technique. The visual texture created through the coiling and use of polychrome, emphasizes the basket’s form, while the design alludes to a wider Yokuts cultural heritage. Functioning as a gambling tray, this object blurs the boundaries between art and everyday life. The basket’s inherent qualities such as lightness and flexibility, are also important. The weight suggests portability, reflecting a nomadic or semi-nomadic lifestyle. Ultimately, this gambling tray serves as a reminder of how deeply intertwined art, craft, and culture are, and how even utilitarian objects can carry profound social meaning.