Josephine Lomatska Wicker Basket

Handcrafted by Hopi artist Josephine Lomatska, this this wicker plaque basket is a beautiful example of Hopi basketry, a highly revered and celebrated traditional artform that continues today. In a complex weave of yellow, green white, red and black, a unique pattern comes to life that is elegant in design, rich in color, and created with superior craftsmanship.

The art of basket-making has been practiced by generations of Hopi women. In Hopi culture, they are used for both ceremonial and everyday functions and are made in much the same way today as they were centuries ago. There are three techniques for making Hopi baskets: wicker, plaiting and coiling. The wicker and coil methods are used to create plaque and bowl baskets, while plaiting is generally used to make trays. Wicker baskets are usually made from sumac and rabbit brush, plaited baskets from sumac and dune brush, and coiled baskets from rabbit brush and yucca. In all three techniques, plant fibers are wrapped around a central stem of bundled plant fiber. In their baskets, Hopi artists create complex geometric patterns and beautiful designs in yellow, red and black hues that come from natural and synthetic dyes. A revered art form passed down through generations, baskets continue to play an important cultural role in Hopi life.

Basket measures 13" in diameter. Comes with a certificate of authenticity.