Institute for Biodiversity Science and Sustainability

CAS Anthropology Collections Database


Catalog Number

CAS 2006-0005-0001   CAS 2006-0005-0001; Basket water jar
Category Basketry; Vessels
Object Name Basket water jar
Culture Navajo
Global Region North America
Country USA
State/Prov./Dist. Arizona or New Mexico
County
Other Geographic Data Navajo Indian Reservation
Maker's Name Unknown
Date of Manufacture ca. 1950s
Collection Name N/A
Materials Peeled and split willow (Salix sp.) or sumac (Rhus sp.) stems; Piñon pine (Pinus edulis) pitch; Wool
Description Large jar shaped basketry water bottle with flat base, globular body rising to high shoulder and short round neck; Woven entirely in loose coiling technique over bundle foundation; Rim is finished in herringbone stitch; Pair of dark sheep’s wool handles are woven into the basket high on the shoulder; Interior and exterior are covered with piñon pine pitch coating to make the basket waterproof; Light coating of pitch on interior indicates this basket was probably made for sale rather than use.
Dimensions (cm) Height = 31.7, Rim Diam = 14.0, Max Diam = 32.0