Navajo Shallow Tray Basket

Late 20th Century

4.125" H x 16.25" D

Hand Coiled with classic patterns featuring a central starting point (often light-colored or with a small opening), concentric bands in red, black, and white (from natural or aniline dyes), and stepped triangular motifs with a deliberate "spirit pathway" break in the design to allow energy to flow out, usually oriented toward the east.

January 28, 2023

Provenance of JN Butler Collection

Excellent Condition

The Janet Nelson Butler Collection was developed by her great-uncle Edward William (E.W.) Nelson (1855-1934). The Wikipedia page on E.W. Nelson states that he was an American naturalist and ethnologist. Initially Mr. Nelson’s research was in Alaska. However, he developed tuberculosis and relocated to the American Southwest in 1890. His studies ranged from Death Valley to Mexico. The Smithsonian Institution houses his collection of artifacts from the Alaska expeditions. 

Family oral history as related by Janet was that that many parts of the Indian Collection were pawned items purchased at trading posts by E.W. Nelson, while some items may have been purchased by his brother F.W. Nelson. 

E.W. Nelson never married and had no children. Upon his death, his collections passed to R. Leiland Nelson, the only child of his only sibling. Upon the death of R. Leiland Nelson’s wife, their sole surviving child Janet Nelson Butler received the collection. Janet Nelson Butler passed away in 2022 and had no children. 

Navajo shallow tray baskets are traditional coiled baskets, most commonly known as Navajo Ceremonial Baskets or Navajo Wedding Baskets. These shallow, tray-like forms (typically 12–18 inches in diameter with low sides) serve primarily ceremonial purposes in Navajo (Diné) culture, though they also function as decorative art.