NATIVE AMERICAN HANDMADE BASKET, RAQUEL HOEFFER, SERI INDIANS, MEXICO, 6" DIA.

Description

This lovely basket was hand woven by Seri artist, Raquel Hoeffer.  The Seri Indians are reknown for their finely woven baskets.  This basket  measures approximately 6 inches in diameter and is approximately 3 1/2 inches tall.  Each tiny coil is approximately 1/16 inch wide.  The design woven into the basket includes butterflies, diamonds and plants.  The pattern even continues to the bottom of the basket (see photos).
The Seris are a relatively small tribe located in the Mexican state of Sonora, primarily along the mainland coast of the Gulf of California.  The women of the tribe are known as master basket makers.  Weaving is done with the aid of a sharp deer leg bone and pounded tightly with the same bone.  When finished and dry, the baskets are extremely hard.  Because of the time required to make the baskets, basket making is a dying art form.
This wonderful example of Seri artistry was purchased at the Heard Museum store several years ago (you can see the edge of the price tag in the bottom of the basket in the last photo).  It has been exhibited in my home since its purchase.  It is in excellent condition.
Please visit my store to view other Native American jewelry and art.