Collection of the Lowe Art Museum, University of Miami

Basket

Artist/Maker Gran Chiriquí (Panama)

Dateca. 1950

Mediumplain and dyed plant fiber

DimensionsOverall: 8 x 4 7/8 in. (20.3 x 12.4 cm)

ClassificationsContainers

Credit LineGift of Byron F. Meyer Jr.

Terms

Object number99.0001.34

On View

Not on view

Collections

Art of the Native Americas

DescriptionBaskets of this type, made from local woven plant fibers, are still crafted today for many reasons: they are inexpensive to make, require few materials, can be made quickly in one to two hours, and are versatile, being used for everything from collecting food to packing medicinal plants for those in need. The lid of this basket contains two intentional slits through which the handle is attached. This design feature allows the lid to be slid up and down along the handle, but it cannot be lost or detached from the basket. Other design elements incorporated into the basket are consistent with ancient Chiriquí pottery, such as the black swirling design. The plain plant fiber, which contrasts with the dyed black pattern, demonstrates how this modern basket from the mid twentieth century has retained design elements seen in pottery dating to 800-1500 CE.