H16.3897

Basket, coiled, (bowl). Fern root decoration (?). "Poma Tribe, Humbolt Co.; Maker unknown; acq. 1911."(cat. in donor file)[vv,5/91] "Poorly trimmed inside, sedge and bulrush, made for sale to non-Indians." (Craig Bates, 10/91) It looks Pomo to me. (Jennifer Bates 9/2008) From History Information Station: Object: Central California Indian basket. History: Around the turn of the century, Native American crafts began to be collected by the affluent upper-middle class. Fondness for handmade objects of natural materials was influenced by the Arts and Crafats design movement, which stressed simplicity as the key to a heaalthful life incorporating art and honest work. Arts and Crafts designers believed the best art was the most natural, and searched for a natural, truly American style. Since Indians were viewed romantically as part of nature, rather than history, many people viewed Indian crafts as organic outgrowths of the American wilderness.

Used: made for sale