Navajo Round Wedding Coiled Tray Basket

ca. 1910

2.5" H x 15.5" x 14.75" D

Hand Coiled Wedding Tray with a Nice Patina

In Good Condition Shows Wear at Rim and Faded

Navajo (Diné) round wedding coiled tray basket (also called a ceremonial basket or ts’aa’). These are traditional shallow, round coiled baskets made by the Navajo (Diné) people of the American Southwest. They are primarily ceremonial objects used in weddings and many other life-cycle and healing ceremonies (such as Blessingway/Hózhóójí rites, Enemyway, puberty ceremonies like Kinaaldá, home blessings, and as containers for sacred items, corn pollen, or ceremonial food like corn mush). They also serve as gifts and decorative pieces. The form is typically a low tray or shallow bowl (often 10–18+ inches in diameter and a few inches high) with a rounded base and slightly flaring sides.