Horsehair miniature basket/tray
This miniature flat basket is made from light and dark horsehair. The image depicted appears to be a bird facing the viewer, with two light colored spots representing eyes facing the viewer. Atop its head are little "ears," similarly to a horned owl. There are also small light light spots along the outside edges of the wings giving the appearance of feathers. The edge of the basket is light with a strand of dark hair wrapped around the edge.
This basket is with its original gift shop box, which is missing a lid.
- Object: Horsehair miniature basket/tray
- Artist: unknown
- Circa: unknown
- Dimensions: 1" across
- Culture Area: North America / Southwest / Arizona
- Cultural Group: Tohono O'odham / Papago
- Cultural Context: According to the Heard Museum, the use of horsehair in basketry originated in the 1960s. "...[T]he great horned owl has associations with death and sickness for the O’odham and Piipaash, it’s more complex. The bird also plays a role in healing, and the messages it conveys could sometimes be viewed as helpful if people can recognize and heed the warning." -Chris Picciuolo paraphrasing Kelly Washington for O'odham Action News
- Donor: -
- Catalog #: 2025.8.1