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Gift Basket


Pomo artist, Gift Basket, ca. 1900/1920, willow, sedge root, clamshell beads, abalone shells, quail feathers, mallard feathers, and meadowlark feathers, The Elizabeth Cole Butler Collection, no known copyright restrictions, 91.95.35

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Details
Title

Gift Basket

Artist

Pomo artist (Pomo)

Date

ca. 1900/1920

Medium

willow, sedge root, clamshell beads, abalone shells, quail feathers, mallard feathers, and meadowlark feathers

Dimensions (H x W x D)

2 in x 8 in diam.

Collection Area

Native American Art

Category

California

Baskets

Object Type

basket

Cultural Group

Pomo

Credit Line

The Elizabeth Cole Butler Collection

Accession Number

91.95.35

Copyright

no known copyright restrictions

Terms

abalone shell

baskets

beads

feather

Pomo

The Elizabeth Cole Butler Collection

willow

Description

Feathered baskets were an important trade item and a symbol of wealth among the Pomo. They were considered appropriate gifts at special occasions and were used as offerings at funerals and mourning ceremonies. The brightly colored feathers, added to the basket as it is made, provide a design mosaic, while the basketry foundation is left plain. Flat saucer-shaped hanging baskets, like this one, were originally decorated only in red feathers. The addition of other colors and patterns was an innovation that began around 1900 as a reponse to collectors' wishes. Handmade clam shell beads added around the rim along with triangular pieces of abalone shell as pendants increased the traditional value of the basket. Magnesite beads were sometimes used as an alternative to clam shell beads. Referred to as "Indian gold," magnesite is white when it comes out of the ground. Pomo men would ceremonially heat it over a fire - causing the magnesite to turn a golden orange color - before working it into beads.

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