Two Small Native American Baleen Baskets Incl Omnik

Lot: 3047

Two small covered baskets, both with carved bone whale tail form knops and bone discs to base used to start the baskets, the smaller example with two-color weaving.
Larger example signed James Omnik to the disc underside
Approximate dimensions: Larger example 4 1/4 high x 4 diameter, smaller example 2 7/8 high x 2 3/4 diameter..
Provenance: From the Bay Area Collection of Eddy Barton.
Condition: Smaller example with some breaks to weaving.
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.

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