Hopi Mesa Coiled Pictorial Basket

Rooted in over two millennia of Hopi tradition, this coiled pictorial basket represents a sacred craft passed through generations of Southwest artisans. Each piece embodies the spiritual significance of basket weaving—a practice woven into the fabric of Hopi ceremonial life, from corn harvest blessings to rainmaking rituals and meaningful rites of passage. Meticulously crafted from natural plant materials, this mesa basket serves as both a functional vessel and a profound cultural artifact, connecting you to an enduring legacy of indigenous artistry and spiritual expression.

This authentic Hopi coiled basket exemplifies the refined artistry of Second Mesa weavers, who have perfected the coiling technique across generations. Handcrafted from sustainably gathered natural materials—rabbit brush, sumac, dune brush, and yucca—the basket showcases traditional pictorial designs, often featuring animals rendered in natural dyes. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, this functional vessel honors the Hopi heritage of food preparation and ceremonial service. The meticulous coiling method, combined with the artisan's skilled hands, creates a durable piece that bridges everyday utility with profound cultural significance, making it a meaningful addition to any discerning collection.

• Hopi coiled baskets are tightly woven using a core of plant material, such as galleta grass or shredded yucca, wrapped with a single piece of yucca.
• The colors are typically limited to natural shades and dyed red, yellow, green, and black pigments.
• These baskets are significant in Hopi religious and social ceremonies, often associated with the corn harvest and rainmaking.
• Weavers on Second Mesa specialize in this coiled technique, and baskets often feature traditional patterns like corn, kachinas, and animals.