Case No. 7:
This unusually large specimen is almost three feet tall. Since about 1914, very few, if any, as large as this have been made. An Indian woman would have to devote three to four months to the weaving of a basket of this size. Today she can purchase a gunny sack from the nearest trading post for twenty five cents and store the same amount of grain with much less effort.
This basket, valued at $750.00 on the collector’s market today, is a splendid illustration of a dying art. The forthcoming Indian generation will not be concerned with the making of baskets for daily use. The beautiful weaving techniques and colorful designs will become a thing of the past.
Also, in this show case, is a fine 1890 basket specimen; a Tonto Apache storage basket from the Verde River area below Flagstaff, Arizona. (See [Plate 6c] & [17c])
HOUSEHOLD
Chitimacha—Louisiana
Case No. 10:
The unusual decorative design of this basket is commonly referred to as “alligator intestines.” This design motif has been used as far back as history records, and serves as an excellent example of the weaver’s skill. (See [Plate 15c])
For other examples of household baskets see:
[Plate 15b]: Cherokee, household farm basket [Plate 15d]: Hoopa, tobacco basket [Plate 16a]: Yokut, general household basket [Plate 16b]: Rappahannock, household farm basket [Plate 16d]: Cherokee, household farm basket