Four Native American Pit River Woven Baskets
Lot: 3061
First third, 20th Century.
Maidu example, twine woven with redbud pattern in diagonal bands, under wrapped stems or roots, and three other Northern California examples with full twist twine and various stylized geometric designs.
Approximate dimensions: 5 1/4 H. x 8 3/8 Diameter..
Provenance: From the Bay Area Collection of Eddy Barton.
Condition: Good overall condition, with minor fading, dust, dirt. Three largest with losses and or frayed areas to rims, smallest with 1/4 split to rim, and one with roughly 2 loss to upper edge.
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.