N-1-10 Figured Havasupai bowl.

The Havasupai are a Yuman speaking people belonging to the Pai branch of the of the Cochimi-Yuman linguistic family. Their name means "People of the Blue Waters" and they continue to dwell in the Grand Canyon region of northwest Arizona. Interestingly, they maintained a close alliance with their eastern neighbors, the Hopi. Their basketry was primarily a twined tradition, closely resembling the work of the Paiute Indians to the north until about 1880 at which time coiled baskets began to be woven in conjunction with twined wares. By 1895, coiling became the predominant basketry form produced by the Havasupai and these were frequently traded to the Hopi.

This small, coiled bowl has the classic white start and white rim finish so typical of the Havasupai which creates a floating sense to the designs. The figured designs represent dogs and American eagles and were most likely inspired by Western Apache basketry. Coiling is to the left using three peeled willow (Salix) rods for the foundation of the coil. The sewing splints are split peeled willow for the white and split devils claw (Proboscidea) for the black.

A classic Havasupai example. 6 1/2"d. by 3 1/2"h. Circa 1925. $2,300.00