Featured Pakistani SW Style Baskets

Just thought I would post a couple links showing the range of Pakistani baskets that are frequently mistaken for or misrepresented as Native American baskets. Be warned, the Youtube video has particularly dramatic music, for some reason.

http://zainhomecollection.com/hand-woven-baskets/

 

Very useful. Thanks. I like this part: "Our unique antique finish adds subtle warmth and tone." A hundred years of patina added in 5 minutes!

But yeah--- what is the deal with that music?!? Kinda hilarious actually.

 

At least they acknowledge that, and even explain why. A missionary from the SW is to blame.

"We go to war with these baskets!!"

 

I find it amusing that the SW designs were introduced by a missionary showing them pictures, probably with the aim of making their baskets more attractive to western buyers. Many designs used in Navajo rugs were introduced by traders showing the weavers pictures of oriental rugs for the same reason.

 

The same with SW jewellery, artists being shown Art Nouveau jewellery (Navajo), and Art Deco jewellery (Zuni).

And the wrong way around: I occasionally see European Art Nouveau jewellery listed as Navajo. Art Nouveau used a lot of turquoise, and if combined with floral designs it has to be Navajo, right?

 

Nouveau - Navajo - same thing, right?

 

Yes, just different spelling. Nouveau is the French spelling of Navajo. It should be Art Navajo.

 

Here is my Pakistani SW style basket. I purchased it maybe 15 or so years ago somewhere in an Arizona gift/tourist shop. I knew at the time what it was and it was priced accordingly. I don't remember if there were real NA baskets offered for sale at that shop or not but I know wasn't going to be spending that kind of money at that time.

Also a photo of what happens when your little friends get a chance to look at it up close.....when you're trying to take photos

 

Sweet!
And so nice of you to put out a basket for them.

 

more kitties please ! In the early pics of Arts & Crafts home interiors you see the baskets being used as lamp shades.

 

I've never seen that before........now I want it !!

 

Yeah that's amazing! A little confusing, but amazing.

 

those are both legit Pima baskets...!

 

Love that lamp!!!

I hesitate adding more kitty pics and taking this thread too far off topic. The two kitties above are brothers and are two of the kittens I rescued last year. They get big fast!

 

too many kitty pics.....be serious.....that can't happen..

I can always snap the thread back on topic...

 

Ditto.

 

Ok, well staying on the basket theme.



Sibling rivalry, the gray was so jealous of his brother's seat in the garden basket that just after this photo he attempted to squeeze himself into the tiny colorful Easter basket behind him.....it didn't work

 

do either of them need scratching or petting.......I can come right over !!

 

Something about baskets, boxes, paper .... they just can't resist. (The nice baskets have since been put behind glass.)

 

They both have amber eyes! Beautiful.
My cat has amber-hazel eyes, only a smidgen of green but nearly all amber/gold.