A masterful example of Southwestern basketry, this small mid-century coiled basket comes from the Tohono O’odham (formerly known as Papago) people of southern Arizona—renowned for their tight weaving, bold designs, and deep-rooted artistry passed down through generations.
 
Handwoven from native desert fibers—light-colored yucca or beargrass and richly contrasting devil’s claw seedpod—this piece features a traditional olla shape with a wide body, flat base, and subtly flared rim. The repeated stepped motif, echoing maze or migration patterns, carries cultural weight in O’odham tradition, often symbolizing life’s journey and the choices we make along the way.
 
The geometric patterning is not merely decorative—it reflects a design lineage connected to the sacred “Man in the Maze,” a motif unique to the O’odham that embodies introspection, destiny, and harmony with the land. Each coil, tightly and skillfully stitched, tells a story not only of utility but of identity.
 
Region of Origin: Southern Arizona
Materials: Beargrass, yucca, and devil’s claw
Technique: Coiled construction, handwoven
Approx. Dimensions: 4.5" diameter x 3" tall; some slight irregularlity to the shape of the top rim
 Estimated Date: Mid-20th century
🪶 Cultural Attribution: Tohono O’odham (Papago)
 
Whether displayed as a standalone collectible or styled in a layered vignette with natural textures and desert tones, this basket bridges heritage and design. It’s a well-preserved example of one of North America’s oldest continuous weaving traditions—durable, deeply rooted, and still visually modern.
 
No maker’s signature (as is common), acquired from an estate in Southern California with a documented interest in Native American art and Southwestern folk traditions.
Ideal for collectors of Native American basketry, Southwest design, or those curating meaningful, storied objects with place-based value.
 
Comparable gallery and auction prices for similar Tohono O’odham pieces range from $150–$300, with premium examples fetching more depending on scale, motif, and condition.