Navajo Large Bowl Basket

ca. 1870

4.25" H x 14.75" D

A very rare and early example with strong use of unpeeled willow creating the negative space. Hand Woven with Reddish Tan Background and Light Tan and Dark Brown Geometric Patterns

Very Good Condition; with minor wear at rim and at base typical of very early basketry. 

Navajo large bowl baskets, often referred to as "wedding baskets" or ceremonial trays, are exquisite examples of traditional Navajo basketry. These handwoven pieces are not just functional vessels but profound cultural artifacts, symbolizing spiritual beliefs, natural elements, and the Navajo (Diné) creation story. Woven primarily by Navajo and sometimes Paiute women, they feature intricate geometric designs in red, black, and white—colors derived from natural dyes or aniline for modern pieces. The baskets are typically coiled using sumac as the core material, with devil's claw for black accents, willow for white, and yucca or other plants for red. A large bowl basket might measure 12–18 inches in diameter, making it suitable for display or ceremonial use.

Provenance:  From the Len and Toni Wood Private Collection, Laguna Beach, California