Vintage Tohono O’odham (Papago) Hand-Coiled Lidded Oval Basket — Circa 1920s–1940s

A finely woven, early-to-mid 20th-century Tohono O’odham (formerly Papago) coiled basketry box featuring a fitted lid and an uncommon double suspended zigzag border. Crafted in Southern Arizona using traditional desert plant fibers, this piece showcases noticeably finer, tighter stitching than typical mid-century tourist ware.

Craftsmanship & Construction Details:

• Origin & Era: Tohono O’odham (Southern Arizona), circa 1920s–1940s
• Materials: Bundled beargrass foundation coiled with split yucca and natural dark devil’s claw (martynia)
• Weave Fineness: Approx. 11–12 stitches per inch (SPI) and 4.5–5 coils per inch (CPI) (see close-up ruler photos for verification)
• Design: Stepped geometric motif across both the lid and body, framed by a delicate openwork zigzag rim along the lid and a matching raised openwork foot around the base

Dimensions:

• Length: 10.5" (26.7 cm)
• Width: 7.5" (19 cm)
• Height: 2.75" (7 cm)

Condition Report (Please Review All Photos Carefully):

This basket is in display condition with honest age-related wear consistent with nearly a century of display:

• Color & Patina: The exterior top of the lid shows natural sun fading to the dark devil’s claw design (mellowed to an olive-brown tone), while the protected interior retains its rich, deep black contrast.
• Lower Openwork Rim: Along the bottom outer edge, small sections are missing some of the dark devil’s claw which is unwrapping, exposing the authentic inner beargrass bundle and reinforcing rod. The surrounding bindings remain tied and stable.
• Minor Age Wear: A few small, dry cracks and minor losses to the fragile openwork coils along the lower edge (documented in extreme close-ups). The main basket body and fitted lid remain sturdy and hold their shape well.

Care:

• Please lift from underneath the solid woven base rather than by the delicate openwork borders, and display out of direct sunlight.