Visit Our Galleries:		Art of the Southwest by Canyon Country Originals Hopi, Navajo, Paiute, Apache and Tohono O'odam (Papago) produce the hand-woven baskets that we use as a selection base. These are the American Indian tribes who live in our area of the Southwest, and who still actively weave fine baskets. We feature Navajo pictorial baskets by the now-famous Black family of San Juan County, Utah. Tongue-in-cheek, we say the Southwestern Native Americans have had plenty of practice in the art of making baskets. Archaeologists have found baskets in the Southwest that date back as far as 6,000 B.C.; and the same weaving techniques found back in this Archaic Period are used by contemporary basket makers. These older people were hunters and gatherers, who were constantly on the go, looking for food. It makes sense. Baskets, as containers, would not break during the constant movement of these Archaic people. Along about 1 A. D., some of these people began to settle down and become farmers, with the importation from Meso-America of corn, beans and squash. These more sedentary people also began importing pottery techniques from the South, but still and to this day, basketry is a unique art-form for the Native Americans. Our baskets, of course, are contemporary. In this vein, we try to look for the best work coming out of our area, and especially for new innovations in design. To order, call 1-800-401-1192, or go to our Order Page -For an enlarged view of any picture, simply click on it- All dimensions are approximate. Occasionally, you will see the remark, "On Exhibition." This means that the basket is on exhibition at another venue. The basket is still available for purchase, but it may mean a delay of a few days. Navajo (Many of our Navajo baskets are on exhibition.) The Black Family Mary Holiday Black A decade or so ago, basket making almost became a lost art with the Navajos. Mary Holiday Black is considered to be most responsible for the renaissance and preservation of the art. A legend in her own time, Mary has won numerous regional and national awards, including a National Heritage Fellowship Award from the National Endowment for the Arts. Passing along her genius, she is now the matriarch of a large and talented family of basket weavers. Mary and most of the present leaders in basketry art live in the vicinity of Bluff, UT, and Monument Valley, AZ/UT. Item# B82 - Early Morning, Mary H. Black, Navajo. Let it not be said that Mary is never innovative. Here, she has taken her creative idea from the Hopi Kachina known as the Early Morning Kachina. A Navajo way of looking at their neighbors, the Hopis. (MHB088) Approximately 14" diameter. Price: $700. Item# B55 - Growth Rings, Mary H. Black, Navajo. Mary was one of the first to consider weaving baskets with imaginative designs targeted toward the Indian art collector's market. Many of her baskets depict traditional beliefs, stories or legends, some inspired by Navajo sandpaintings, some inspired by simple geometrics woven into complex patterns. Here, Mary has taken an idea from simple tree growth rings, and interpreted it into a beautiful design. Approximately 10" diameter. Price: $~~375~~ SOLD. Item# B56 - Friendship Basket, Mary H. Black, Navajo. The importance of family and neighborly support is the focus of this basket. Family is without a doubt the most important aspect of the Navajo culture. There is a built-in support system within the family, which is essential to their survival in this vast and open country. Neighbors are important for many of the same reasons. In this basket, the small black spot in the center of the basket represents the growth and emergence of the Navajo people from the mythical lower worlds. The four rainbow segments surrounding the opening guard and protect this sacred place. The people–family, friends and neighbors–all join hands in friendship. Approximately 13" diameter. Price: $~~375~~ SOLD. Item# B44 - Yei/Ceremonial, Mary H. Black, Navajo. The center of this plaque incorporates part of the design of the classic ceremonial Navajo wedding basket. To guard the ceremonial depictions, Mary has added the Rainbow Yei, the design that frames and guards many sand paintings. According to tradition, the ceremonial basket is viewed as a map through which the Navajo people chart their lives. The center, or sipapu, represents emergence from the prior world. As the people emerged, all was white, or pure, representing birth. As you travel outward, the black represents darkness and the travails of life. As you make your way through the darkness, you reach the red band, representing marriage, the mixing of blood and the creation of a family. Here, there is no darkness. Beyond is more darkness and travail, but interspersed with white light and joy. And further, the white bands represent increasing enlightenment. The opening from the center to the rim, traditionally facing the East, is there to remind you that no matter how much darkness, there is always a pathway to the light. (MHB042) Approximately 21" diameter. Price: $~~1,375~~ SOLD. Sally Black Sally Black is one of the most recognized names in the art of Navajo basket weaving. Born and raised on the eastern edge of Monument Valley, she has emerged from humble beginnings to become known worldwide for her art. Sally is the eldest daughter of the matriarch of the most prominent family in Navajo basketry, Mary Holiday Black. This family is considered by many to have been responsible for the revival of basketry. Without a doubt, Sally and the rest of the Black family represent the premier level of contemporary Navajo basket weavers. Item# B80 - Kokopelli Vessel, Sally Black, Navajo. This is an extremely fine piece of art. These shapes are extremely difficult to accomplish, most artists will not even attempt one. Sally is one of the best at weaving vessels. Her main theme, center band, is Kokopelli, shown comfortably sitting under a winter tree, next to a well-fed fire, playing his magic flute. This design, with small variances, is repeated around the vessel. Dogs are shown in the top band, and man in the lower band. Kokopelli is a mythical being believed to have powers over fruition, weather, and the planting and harvesting of crops. He is also attributed with an unnatural ability to attract young maidens. (SAB011) Approximately 15" diameter by 12 3/8" high. Price: $3,600. Item# B79 - Eagle, Sally Black, Navajo. The bald eagle is an important ceremonial element for several tribes and pueblos of the southwest. For the Navajo, Eagle is held to be the first or chief of the Sky. With the Navajo, as with many Native Americans, the eagle is considered the ultimate predator/warrior. (SAB010) Approximately 16 1/2" diameter. Price: $~~1,150~~ SOLD. Item# B81 - Train, Sally Black, Navajo. When the Santa Fe Railroad came through the Navajo Nation in 1882, it connected the Navajo to the world, and changed the people forever. Here, Sally pictures the old steam trains that used to bring tourists and goods. Trains are often the subject of basket and textile weavers, evoking nostalgia for the past. (SAB017) Approximately 22" diameter. Price: $~~3,000~~ SOLD. Peggy Rock Black Peggy Rock Black was born into a family of weavers, before she married into an equally talented family of weavers. She is one of the best weavers to successfully incorporate pictorial images into her baskets. This truly inspired artist has a great knack for telling stories through her art. She weaves contemporary baskets; but, respecting Navajo traditions, leans toward traditional Navajo designs of balance and harmony. Peggy learned to weave from her mother, grandmother, and sister. Peggy knows the natural plant dyes and occasionally uses them when coloring the sumac strips she uses in her baskets. She is now teaching her three daughters. Item# B57 - Whirling Flag, Peggy Black, Navajo. During the recent Winter Olympics, one of Peggy's baskets was featured in the Navajo Pavilion. It was in a patriotic theme. Here is another basket in the same theme. Although initially at odds with the symbol and the people it represented, First Americans have made the flag as much a part of their history and culture as our own. It is an integral part of Native Americana. They have represented America well in war and in peace. Who better to represent our national symbol through art than our First Americans? This basket represents Peggy's contribution to this tradition. (PB084) Approximately 24 3/4 by 4" deep." diameter. Price: $~~3,000~~ SOLD. Item# B83 - Butterflies, Peggy Black, Navajo. Due to the natural beauty of its wings, Butterfly is often considered vain. Yet, in Navajo mythology, Butterfly brings the sacred flint to the hooves of the horse. In the legend of the deity, Butterfly Boy was cured of his vanity by being lightning struck with the axe of Rain Boy. After that, his head opened up and out of it came the butterflies of the world. The perishable dust of Butterfly's wings is sometimes thought to prove that such beauty is usually not durable. A corollary: In Navajo belief, the butterfly's origin is Caterpillar, sacred because of his ability to transform into Butterfly. However, while Butterfly may not always be trusted because of his vanity, Caterpillar is a simple, many-footed walker through life. He may give advice to his "betters." (PB067) Approximately 18" diameter. Price: $1,250. Item# B84 - Medicine Turtle, Peggy Black, Navajo. According to Navajo legend, Turtle promised to change his evil ways and be good. In return, he was promised that he would be used for medicine by men, and his shell would be used to drink out of, and also to make medicine in. This is Peggy's interpretation of Turtle. Navajo basket weavers like this theme, because they believe turtles provide medicinal favor to the person portraying them in their art. (PB121) Approximately 18 3/4" diameter. Price: $1,500. Item# B85 - Medicine Turtle/Yei, Peggy Black, Navajo. This provocatively simple basket features three symbols that are the essence of Navajo culture. The symbols are those of the emergence, the Yei-be-chei and the turtle. The protective and healing qualities of turtles and Yei-be-chei figures are well known in Navajo culture. Tying these symbols to the emergence myth, represented by the darker, whirling log motif in the center of this basket, shows Peggy Black's reverence for the creation stories of her people. By portraying these figures together, in this beautifully simple weaving, Peggy has covered the essentials of Navajo tradition. Peggy can always be counted on to creatively demonstrate her culture through her art. (PB107) Approximately 20" diameter. Price: $1,750. Item# B58 - Yeis, Peggy Black, Navajo. Yeis are the Navajo gods appearing in their many myths. Here, the Yeis are dancing around the entrance of the underworld. For Peggy, this is an unusual and striking color selected for dominance in this basket. (PB088) Approximately 23" diameter. Price: $3,125. Item# B60 - Yei, Peggy Black, Navajo. This basket includes the Great Star in the center, surround by a Yei dressed in stars. Again, inspired by the Big Star Chant. The further pattern is taken from the Navajo ceremonial basket. (PB092) Approximately 19" diameter. Price: $~~1,685~~ SOLD. Item# B66 - Native American Spirit, Peggy Black, Navajo. In this intricate design, Peggy has expressed her concept of the Native American spirit–loyal to their original ways, and at the same time loyal to their country. From the center of the basket spirals a patriotic portrayal of the American flag. Surrounding the flag are human images representing the family of man. Peggy believes people, through their individual actions, are the only beings that can successfully effect their own destiny. Sacred mountains provide sanctuary from both natural and supernatural forces. So does the image of Talking God, a Navajo deity, which is wrapped around the edge of the basket. Talking God is a positive, benevolent figure, and one of Peggy's favorite beings. (PB105) Approximately 17" diameter. Price: $~~1,900~~ SOLD. Alicia Nelson Black Alecia trained under her mother-in-law, the famous Mary Holiday Black. Married to Jonathan Holiday Black, they live next to Mary's house. Alecia says that she is much influenced by Mary, who still "gives pointers," but now it is Alecia who helps Mary. Together they gather sumac from along the river for weaving. Alecia helps Mary with splitting the willows and peeling the bark. "While I am helping her, she is telling me stories about the past," says Alecia. "How she and her family used to work with the sumac." Today, Alecia is one of only an estimated two dozen Navajo weavers who incorporate pictorial images into their baskets. Certainly aided by her knowledge of textile weaving, Alecia has accomplished her high level of basket artistry in just over four years. Item# B69 - Turkey, Alecia Nelson Black In Navajo myth and legend, Turkey is considered to be an intelligent being, whom the supernaturals provided with seeds of all kinds. When Turkey shakes out his wings, seed of beans, pumpkin, corn, squash, melon and tobacco fall out. He is recognized as being responsible for the bountiful harvest. Alecia portrays the mystical Turkey in great majesty. (AN042) Approximately 16" diameter. Price: $625. Item# B71 - Turquoise/Sky Yeis, Alecia Nelson Black At noontime, the summer sky is as blue as the stone. This is called a turquoise sky, and is a sign of fair weather. The turquoise mountain, Mount Taylor, defines the southern edge of the traditional Navajo land, and by tradition is crossed by the noon sun in its travel to the west, and gives its color to the sky. Alecia has fashioned the Sky Yeis surrounding the ceremonial motif. (AN053) Approximately 13 1/2" diameter. Price: $~~675~~ SOLD. Item# B72 - Butterfly, Alecia Nelson Black Due to the natural beauty of its wings, Butterfly is often considered vain. The perishable dust of Butterfly wings is sometimes thought to prove that such beauty is temporary. Here, Alecia as superimposed the Butterfly theme on a ceremonial motif. (AN059) Approximately 11 1/2" diameter. Price: $~~450~~ SOLD. Hopi Item# B12 - Hopi Second Mesa Coiled Plaque. Butterfly Maiden. Approximately 11" diameter. Price: $300. Item# B13 - Hopi Second Mesa Coiled Plaque.. Deer motif, artist Eunice Kewanuwtewa . Approximately 7 1/2" diameter. Price: $~~120~~SOLD. Item# B16 - Hopi Second Mesa Coiled Plaque.. Kachina Face, artist unknown. This plaque is very finely and evenly woven. Approximately 11" diameter. Price: $490. Item# B17 - Hopi Second Mesa Coiled Basket. Crow Mother Kachina representation on front and back. Hopi basket weaving is rapidly become a lost art. Here is a small example, produced by an outstanding weaver, Della Takala. Approximately 8 1/2" diameter by 6 1/2" high. $800. To order, call 1-800-401-1192, 1-520-721-8757 if you are out of the United States, or go to our Order Page -For an enlarged view of any picture, simply click on it- All dimensions are approximate. The Artistry Of Mary Black And Her Family. Mary Holiday Black, matriarch of the Black family, began the concept of Navajo pictorial basket weaving some 10 years ago. The design ideas of this family have revolutionized and revitalized a dying Navajo tradition, and moved the weaving practice from utility and wedding baskets to a true art form. We are enthused to be able to offer you some of these examples. This resurgence of basket weaving has been significantly helped by the encouragement of the Simpson family, a family of Indian traders in Southeastern Utah. The result has been a new approach to an old art, and many ribbons and awards for the Black family. To interpret the pictorials, you must go back to reference the symbols in Navajo legends and myths so important to their culture. Designs utilize sacred numbers, figures and colors that are repeated from Navajo allegories concerning the Navajo view of creation, the world, and religion. Mary Holiday Black and her family live in Southeastern Utah. With her seven sons and four daughters, most of the Blacks have become proficient at weaving classic and pictorial baskets. Recommended Books: "Southwestern Indian Baskets, Their History and Their Makers," by Andrew Hunter Whiteford, 1988, published by School of American Research Press, Santa Fe, NM. "Indian Baskets of the Southwest," by Clara Lee Tanner, 1983, published by University of Arizona Press, Tucson, AZ.

Visit Our Galleries:

Art of the Southwest by Canyon Country Originals

Native American Baskets

Hopi, Navajo, Paiute, Apache and Tohono O'odam (Papago) produce the hand-woven baskets that we use as a selection base. These are the American Indian tribes who live in our area of the Southwest, and who still actively weave fine baskets. We feature Navajo pictorial baskets by the now-famous Black family of San Juan County, Utah.

Tongue-in-cheek, we say the Southwestern Native Americans have had plenty of practice in the art of making baskets. Archaeologists have found baskets in the Southwest that date back as far as 6,000 B.C.; and the same weaving techniques found back in this Archaic Period are used by contemporary basket makers. These older people were hunters and gatherers, who were constantly on the go, looking for food. It makes sense. Baskets, as containers, would not break during the constant movement of these Archaic people.

Along about 1 A. D., some of these people began to settle down and become farmers, with the importation from Meso-America of corn, beans and squash. These more sedentary people also began importing pottery techniques from the South, but still and to this day, basketry is a unique art-form for the Native Americans. Our baskets, of course, are contemporary. In this vein, we try to look for the best work coming out of our area, and especially for new innovations in design.

To order, call 1-800-401-1192, or go to our
Order Page

-For an enlarged view of any picture, simply click on it-
All dimensions are approximate.

Occasionally, you will see the remark, "On Exhibition." This means that the basket is on exhibition at another venue. The basket is still available for purchase, but it may mean a delay of a few days.

Navajo

(Many of our Navajo baskets are on exhibition.)

The Black Family

Mary Holiday Black

A decade or so ago, basket making almost became a lost art with the Navajos. Mary Holiday Black is considered to be most responsible for the renaissance and preservation of the art. A legend in her own time, Mary has won numerous regional and national awards, including a National Heritage Fellowship Award from the National Endowment for the Arts. Passing along her genius, she is now the matriarch of a large and talented family of basket weavers. Mary and most of the present leaders in basketry art live in the vicinity of Bluff, UT, and Monument Valley, AZ/UT.

Item# B82 - Early Morning, Mary H. Black, Navajo.

Let it not be said that Mary is never innovative. Here, she has taken her creative idea from the Hopi Kachina known as the Early Morning Kachina. A Navajo way of looking at their neighbors, the Hopis. (MHB088)
Approximately 14" diameter.
Price: $700.

Item# B55 - Growth Rings, Mary H. Black, Navajo.

Mary was one of the first to consider weaving baskets with imaginative designs targeted toward the Indian art collector's market. Many of her baskets depict traditional beliefs, stories or legends, some inspired by Navajo sandpaintings, some inspired by simple geometrics woven into complex patterns. Here, Mary has taken an idea from simple tree growth rings, and interpreted it into a beautiful design.
Approximately 10" diameter.
Price: $~~375~~ SOLD.

Item# B56 - Friendship Basket, Mary H. Black, Navajo.

The importance of family and neighborly support is the focus of this basket. Family is without a doubt the most important aspect of the Navajo culture. There is a built-in support system within the family, which is essential to their survival in this vast and open country. Neighbors are important for many of the same reasons. In this basket, the small black spot in the center of the basket represents the growth and emergence of the Navajo people from the mythical lower worlds. The four rainbow segments surrounding the opening guard and protect this sacred place. The people–family, friends and neighbors–all join hands in friendship.
Approximately 13" diameter.
Price: $~~375~~ SOLD.

Item# B44 - Yei/Ceremonial, Mary H. Black, Navajo.

The center of this plaque incorporates part of the design of the classic ceremonial Navajo wedding basket. To guard the ceremonial depictions, Mary has added the Rainbow Yei, the design that frames and guards many sand paintings. According to tradition, the ceremonial basket is viewed as a map through which the Navajo people chart their lives. The center, or sipapu, represents emergence from the prior world. As the people emerged, all was white, or pure, representing birth. As you travel outward, the black represents darkness and the travails of life. As you make your way through the darkness, you reach the red band, representing marriage, the mixing of blood and the creation of a family. Here, there is no darkness. Beyond is more darkness and travail, but interspersed with white light and joy. And further, the white bands represent increasing enlightenment. The opening from the center to the rim, traditionally facing the East, is there to remind you that no matter how much darkness, there is always a pathway to the light. (MHB042)
Approximately 21" diameter.
Price: $~~1,375~~ SOLD.

Sally Black

Sally Black is one of the most recognized names in the art of Navajo basket weaving. Born and raised on the eastern edge of Monument Valley, she has emerged from humble beginnings to become known worldwide for her art. Sally is the eldest daughter of the matriarch of the most prominent family in Navajo basketry, Mary Holiday Black. This family is considered by many to have been responsible for the revival of basketry. Without a doubt, Sally and the rest of the Black family represent the premier level of contemporary Navajo basket weavers.

Item# B80 - Kokopelli Vessel, Sally Black, Navajo.

This is an extremely fine piece of art. These shapes are extremely difficult to accomplish, most artists will not even attempt one. Sally is one of the best at weaving vessels. Her main theme, center band, is Kokopelli, shown comfortably sitting under a winter tree, next to a well-fed fire, playing his magic flute. This design, with small variances, is repeated around the vessel. Dogs are shown in the top band, and man in the lower band. Kokopelli is a mythical being believed to have powers over fruition, weather, and the planting and harvesting of crops. He is also attributed with an unnatural ability to attract young maidens. (SAB011)
Approximately 15" diameter by 12 3/8" high.
Price: $3,600.

Item# B79 - Eagle, Sally Black, Navajo.

The bald eagle is an important ceremonial element for several tribes and pueblos of the southwest. For the Navajo, Eagle is held to be the first or chief of the Sky. With the Navajo, as with many Native Americans, the eagle is considered the ultimate predator/warrior. (SAB010)
Approximately 16 1/2" diameter.
Price: $~~1,150~~ SOLD.

Item# B81 - Train, Sally Black, Navajo.

When the Santa Fe Railroad came through the Navajo Nation in 1882, it connected the Navajo to the world, and changed the people forever. Here, Sally pictures the old steam trains that used to bring tourists and goods. Trains are often the subject of basket and textile weavers, evoking nostalgia for the past. (SAB017)
Approximately 22" diameter.
Price: $~~3,000~~ SOLD.

Peggy Rock Black

Peggy Rock Black was born into a family of weavers, before she married into an equally talented family of weavers. She is one of the best weavers to successfully incorporate pictorial images into her baskets. This truly inspired artist has a great knack for telling stories through her art. She weaves contemporary baskets; but, respecting Navajo traditions, leans toward traditional Navajo designs of balance and harmony. Peggy learned to weave from her mother, grandmother, and sister. Peggy knows the natural plant dyes and occasionally uses them when coloring the sumac strips she uses in her baskets. She is now teaching her three daughters.

Item# B57 - Whirling Flag, Peggy Black, Navajo.

During the recent Winter Olympics, one of Peggy's baskets was featured in the Navajo Pavilion. It was in a patriotic theme. Here is another basket in the same theme. Although initially at odds with the symbol and the people it represented, First Americans have made the flag as much a part of their history and culture as our own. It is an integral part of Native Americana. They have represented America well in war and in peace. Who better to represent our national symbol through art than our First Americans? This basket represents Peggy's contribution to this tradition. (PB084)
Approximately 24 3/4 by 4" deep." diameter.
Price: $~~3,000~~ SOLD.

Item# B83 - Butterflies, Peggy Black, Navajo.

Due to the natural beauty of its wings, Butterfly is often considered vain. Yet, in Navajo mythology, Butterfly brings the sacred flint to the hooves of the horse. In the legend of the deity, Butterfly Boy was cured of his vanity by being lightning struck with the axe of Rain Boy. After that, his head opened up and out of it came the butterflies of the world. The perishable dust of Butterfly's wings is sometimes thought to prove that such beauty is usually not durable. A corollary: In Navajo belief, the butterfly's origin is Caterpillar, sacred because of his ability to transform into Butterfly. However, while Butterfly may not always be trusted because of his vanity, Caterpillar is a simple, many-footed walker through life. He may give advice to his "betters." (PB067)
Approximately 18" diameter.
Price: $1,250.

Item# B84 - Medicine Turtle, Peggy Black, Navajo.

According to Navajo legend, Turtle promised to change his evil ways and be good. In return, he was promised that he would be used for medicine by men, and his shell would be used to drink out of, and also to make medicine in. This is Peggy's interpretation of Turtle. Navajo basket weavers like this theme, because they believe turtles provide medicinal favor to the person portraying them in their art. (PB121)
Approximately 18 3/4" diameter.
Price: $1,500.

Item# B85 - Medicine Turtle/Yei, Peggy Black, Navajo.

This provocatively simple basket features three symbols that are the essence of Navajo culture. The symbols are those of the emergence, the Yei-be-chei and the turtle. The protective and healing qualities of turtles and Yei-be-chei figures are well known in Navajo culture. Tying these symbols to the emergence myth, represented by the darker, whirling log motif in the center of this basket, shows Peggy Black's reverence for the creation stories of her people. By portraying these figures together, in this beautifully simple weaving, Peggy has covered the essentials of Navajo tradition. Peggy can always be counted on to creatively demonstrate her culture through her art. (PB107)
Approximately 20" diameter.
Price: $1,750.

Item# B58 - Yeis, Peggy Black, Navajo.

Yeis are the Navajo gods appearing in their many myths. Here, the Yeis are dancing around the entrance of the underworld. For Peggy, this is an unusual and striking color selected for dominance in this basket. (PB088)
Approximately 23" diameter.
Price: $3,125.

Item# B60 - Yei, Peggy Black, Navajo.

This basket includes the Great Star in the center, surround by a Yei dressed in stars. Again, inspired by the Big Star Chant. The further pattern is taken from the Navajo ceremonial basket. (PB092)
Approximately 19" diameter.
Price: $~~1,685~~ SOLD.

Item# B66 - Native American Spirit, Peggy Black, Navajo.

In this intricate design, Peggy has expressed her concept of the Native American spirit–loyal to their original ways, and at the same time loyal to their country. From the center of the basket spirals a patriotic portrayal of the American flag. Surrounding the flag are human images representing the family of man. Peggy believes people, through their individual actions, are the only beings that can successfully effect their own destiny. Sacred mountains provide sanctuary from both natural and supernatural forces. So does the image of Talking God, a Navajo deity, which is wrapped around the edge of the basket. Talking God is a positive, benevolent figure, and one of Peggy's favorite beings. (PB105)
Approximately 17" diameter.
Price: $~~1,900~~ SOLD.

Alicia Nelson Black

Alecia trained under her mother-in-law, the famous Mary Holiday Black. Married to Jonathan Holiday Black, they live next to Mary's house. Alecia says that she is much influenced by Mary, who still "gives pointers," but now it is Alecia who helps Mary. Together they gather sumac from along the river for weaving. Alecia helps Mary with splitting the willows and peeling the bark. "While I am helping her, she is telling me stories about the past," says Alecia. "How she and her family used to work with the sumac." Today, Alecia is one of only an estimated two dozen Navajo weavers who incorporate pictorial images into their baskets. Certainly aided by her knowledge of textile weaving, Alecia has accomplished her high level of basket artistry in just over four years.

Item# B69 - Turkey, Alecia Nelson Black

In Navajo myth and legend, Turkey is considered to be an intelligent being, whom the supernaturals provided with seeds of all kinds. When Turkey shakes out his wings, seed of beans, pumpkin, corn, squash, melon and tobacco fall out. He is recognized as being responsible for the bountiful harvest. Alecia portrays the mystical Turkey in great majesty. (AN042)
Approximately 16" diameter.
Price: $625.

Item# B71 - Turquoise/Sky Yeis, Alecia Nelson Black

At noontime, the summer sky is as blue as the stone. This is called a turquoise sky, and is a sign of fair weather. The turquoise mountain, Mount Taylor, defines the southern edge of the traditional Navajo land, and by tradition is crossed by the noon sun in its travel to the west, and gives its color to the sky. Alecia has fashioned the Sky Yeis surrounding the ceremonial motif. (AN053)
Approximately 13 1/2" diameter.
Price: $~~675~~ SOLD.

Item# B72 - Butterfly, Alecia Nelson Black

Due to the natural beauty of its wings, Butterfly is often considered vain. The perishable dust of Butterfly wings is sometimes thought to prove that such beauty is temporary. Here, Alecia as superimposed the Butterfly theme on a ceremonial motif. (AN059)
Approximately 11 1/2" diameter.
Price: $~~450~~ SOLD.

Hopi

Item# B12 - Hopi Second Mesa Coiled Plaque.

Butterfly Maiden.
Approximately 11" diameter.
Price: $300.

Item# B13 - Hopi Second Mesa Coiled Plaque..

Deer motif, artist Eunice Kewanuwtewa .
Approximately 7 1/2" diameter.
Price: $~~120~~SOLD.

Item# B16 - Hopi Second Mesa Coiled Plaque..

Kachina Face, artist unknown. This plaque is very finely and evenly woven.
Approximately 11" diameter.
Price: $490.

Item# B17 - Hopi Second Mesa Coiled Basket.

Crow Mother Kachina representation on front and back. Hopi basket weaving is rapidly become a lost art. Here is a small example, produced by an outstanding weaver, Della Takala.
Approximately 8 1/2" diameter by 6 1/2" high.
$800.

To order, call 1-800-401-1192, 1-520-721-8757 if you are out of the United States, or go to our
Order Page

-For an enlarged view of any picture, simply click on it-
All dimensions are approximate.

The Artistry Of Mary Black And Her Family.

Mary Holiday Black, matriarch of the Black family, began the concept of Navajo pictorial basket weaving some 10 years ago. The design ideas of this family have revolutionized and revitalized a dying Navajo tradition, and moved the weaving practice from utility and wedding baskets to a true art form. We are enthused to be able to offer you some of these examples.

This resurgence of basket weaving has been significantly helped by the encouragement of the Simpson family, a family of Indian traders in Southeastern Utah. The result has been a new approach to an old art, and many ribbons and awards for the Black family.

To interpret the pictorials, you must go back to reference the symbols in Navajo legends and myths so important to their culture. Designs utilize sacred numbers, figures and colors that are repeated from Navajo allegories concerning the Navajo view of creation, the world, and religion.

Mary Holiday Black and her family live in Southeastern Utah. With her seven sons and four daughters, most of the Blacks have become proficient at weaving classic and pictorial baskets.

Recommended Books: "Southwestern Indian Baskets, Their History and Their Makers," by Andrew Hunter Whiteford, 1988, published by School of American Research Press, Santa Fe, NM. "Indian Baskets of the Southwest," by Clara Lee Tanner, 1983, published by University of Arizona Press, Tucson, AZ.

e-mail us at
cainfo@canyonart.com