Three Native American Baskets... help!

I could use some help with these, please (three of five baskets)

15.5w x 5.5t x 4.5 base


5.5w x 3.5t x 4.5 base



8.5w x 8.25t x 7.75 base

 

The 1st I'll venture as African...
the next two...Pima & or .Papago.....they're not that old so I'm not 100%...

 

yay, komo! thanks!

 

#komokwa
How can you tell the diff? between African and Pima/papago? they do look similar...


I think I just managed to make my first tag, we'll see...

 

Komokwa is absolutely right. The large flared basket is African, from Botswana. The other two are Papago (Tohono O'odham) from southern Arizona.

Botswana (and similar baskets) are often mistaken for Native American Indian, because the weaving techniqiue, colors and patterns look pretty much the same. Both are coiled, with the same stitch joining the coils, both use tan and browns.

It's the material they are made from that sets them apart. The Indian baskets are made from yucca, and the African (and Pakistani) ones are made from palm fiber. Telling them apart takes some hands-on experience, and looking at a lot of (correctly identified) examples. But once you can distinguish the difference, there is no mistaking them, even from a photo. It's hard to describe, but generally I'd say the palm fiber is more flexible, and has a more matte surface. Yucca will usually have a more golden look, palm fiber a slightly more ivory/tan color.

Yucca baskets will develop a deeper gold color with age. They often start out a greenish/pale yellow, when freshly made. The darker gold color of these shows they were probably made in the 1950s/1970s period. The African one could be fresh off the boat.

 

That is fantastic, Taupau - very visual description!

In the third photo, the African one looks more "papery."

Thank you so much!

 

Really glad I asked

 

That is fantastic, Taupau - very visual description!

In the third photo, the African one looks more "papery."

Thank you so much!

 

....you must be excited!!!

 

waz so funny?

 

(you posted the same response twice) If you want to tag someone try using the @ before their name.

 

Thanks, SIS

I know I did - just the same title, though. I posted 3 of 5 (this one) and 2 of 5 - sorry for the confusion

I think I did successfully tag someone this week...

Thanks for the heads up

I paid $5 for an online valuation last week - the smaller yucca one is valued at $30 and larger at $90