Vintage (1981) Extremely Rare Havasupai Burden Basket by Mae Tilousi 13”X11” For Sale

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Vintage (1981) Extremely Rare Havasupai Burden Basket by Mae Tilousi 13”X11”:
$399.00

Vintage (1981) Extremely Rare Havasupai Burden Basket by Mae Tilousi 13”X11”

REDUCED PRICE FROM $425 TO $399

We obtained this very rare Havasupai Burden Basket from the late Mae Clinton Tilousi (1905-1999)when we lived and worked at Havasupai in the early 1980s. The Havasupai live in Supai Village in the fertile valley of Havasu Canyon, a tributary of the Grand Canyon, where they enjoy a settled agricultural life. When we lived and worked in Havasupai, we were fortunate to collect several high-quality baskets made by aging weavers. At one time, baskets of every shape imaginable were the Havasupai's most important domestic utensils,taking the place of pottery as water containers, burden carriers, and storage bins.Basket making lost its popularity in the 1950s; however, several basket makers revived the art in the 1970s. Today hardly any new weavers are willing to put in the time required to produce baskets.Mae was one of the few remaining weavers in the early 80s.This44-year-oldburdenbasket has a twined weave accented with 3 attractive black bands and falling rain designs. It is in good condition possessing attractive design elements. Maeused willow she collected along the Supai Creek then split into thin strips for weaving. She added local devil’s claw for the black design lines. She trimmed hair off her horse’s tail and braided it into a traditional carrying and hanging strap.

Dimensions:13ʺW × 11ʺ deep × 12ʺ high

Basket Maker: Mae Clinton Tilousi(1905-1999)

Date Made: 1981

Origin: Purchased at Havasupai from the weaver