Authentic Navajo Ceremonial Wedding Basket 14 Circa 1960

Description

AUTHENTIC NAVAJO PAWNED
NATIVE AMERICAN HANDMADE
NAVAJO Diné WEDDING CEREMONY BASKET
This ceremonial wedding basket was previously owned and pawned by a Navajo in the Four Corners, Gallup/Grants area of New Mexico.
The basket design was originated by the Paiutes and later adopted by the Navajo. The circular design, details and coloration of the basket relates to the Navajo Diné story of creation.
The basket is woven tightly enough that a sacred cornmeal porridge (mush) may be poured into the basket for use in the wedding rites. The mixture is prepared by the bride's father. The bride and groom feed one another cornmeal as a sign of their everlasting commitment to one another. The basket of cornmeal is then shared with other family members and attending guests, and is given to the groom?s mother from the bride?s family. It is believed the health of the couple?s marriage relies on how well the groom?s mother takes care of their wedding basket, until one day she can bestow it on to her grandchildren.
These baskets are getting harder to come by, since they are a favorite among the Navajo people and many are kept for personal use. Fewer Native Americans are continuing the tradition of weaving baskets, therefore basket-making is slowly becoming a lost art.
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This basket is
a
1960 and has a lot fading due to
age. There are some broken weaves as shown in the less expensive price.