Overview
This is a masterfully executed coiled basket entirely encased in a 'skin' of glass seed beads, featuring a complex swirling 'lightning' or 'zigzag' motif.
1Identify
Preliminary identification
Mono or Paiute Beaded Coiled Basket, c. 1920-1940
Photo reference
1 uploaded photo
Story
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as traditional lifestyles were disrupted, Indigenous weavers in the Great Basin region transformed their ancient craft into a sophisticated art form for the 'Basket Craze' collector market.
Maker / Origin
While the individual artist's name is often lost to history, she was part of a prestigious lineage of weavers who held complex geometric patterns entirely in their minds without the use of written…
Condition & Value
The beadwork appears remarkably intact with no visible 'bald spots' or broken threads, which is rare for items of this age. Value is driven by the tightness of the weave, the complexity of the geometric pattern, and the presence of the original matching lid.
Research
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