Four Native American Northwest Woven Baskets
Lot: 3041
Circa 1930 and later.
Including examples of Karak, Yurok, Hupa, all woven in two or three colors, and with grasses, one basket with stick or stem having wrapped grass edge, over openwork band. The largest example two tone wide band to underside. All woven in patterns featuring strong geometric designs.
Approximate dimensions: 3 1/4 H. x 4 3/8 Diameter to 4 1/4 H. x 5 1/4 Diameter. The openwork basket measuring 3 1/4 H. x 5 1/8 Diameter..
Provenance: From the Bay Area Collection of Eddy Barton.
Condition: Overall condition is very good, with dust, light fading, minor wear to each. The largest basket with three shallow breaks to upper edge, the smallest with several shallow breaks to edge.
Two handwritten notes to baskets mention old obsidian blade design, and Yurok example Possibly woven by Queen Star James, who passed away at age 93. Lived at Tully Creek near Martins Ferry. Obsidian blade with worm trail patterns, kingsnake nose design around bottom.
Eddy Barton (1937-2024) was an expert in Native American basketry, specializing in works from tribes in the western United States. He first became interested in Native American culture growing up photographing petroglyphs and pictographs on hiking trips with his father in California. Graduating from UC Berkeley in the 60s, Eddy spent the next 60 years studying and collecting baskets and other artifacts. He generously shared his knowledge with the public and volunteered as an appraiser for several charities. In 2007, Eddy was honored to be ceremonially adopted by the Lakota Sioux during a celebration of the legacy of Chief Spotted Tails daughter at Fort Laramie, Wyoming. He would take great pleasure in knowing that pieces of his beloved collection are finding new homes with those who appreciate the art and traditions of the Native American people he so admired and respected.