Antique Indian Basket / Yurok Pedestal Basket

ca.1920

Size: 6 1/4"h x 10" d

Shows rim wear as pictured. Overall in Good Condition.

 
The Yurok, a Native American tribe from the Klamath River region and coastal northwestern California, are renowned for their basketry, part of a broader weaving tradition shared with neighbors like the Karuk and Hupa. Yurok baskets, crafted primarily by women, were essential to daily life—cooking, gathering, fishing, and ceremonies—and became prized trade items by the late 19th century as Anglo contact grew. "Antique" Yurok baskets typically date from 1880 to 1930, though their techniques trace back centuries.

Characteristics of a Yurok Indian Basket:

Technique: Yurok baskets are twined, not coiled like many Southwestern styles. They use a warp (vertical foundation) of hazel or willow shoots and a weft (horizontal weaving) of conifer roots (often spruce or pine), twined tightly with overlay or half-twist methods. This creates a flexible yet durable texture, distinct from the rigid coils of, say, Havasupai baskets.

Materials: Sourced from their lush riverine and coastal environment:

Willow or Hazel: Flexible shoots for the frame, gathered in spring.