Willow stems, sedge, mallard feathers, meadowlark feathers, varied thrush feathers, blackbird feathers, shell beads, and string

Traditionally, Pomo gift baskets were only decorated with quail and red headed woodpecker feathers. Following contact with white society, their baskets were made with other kinds of feathers.

Traditionally, Pomo feather baskets were made almost exclusively as gifts for important or revered people. Although baskets continue to maintain a spiritual significance in Pomo culture, by the early 20th century they were being sold to wealthy white collectors and tourists. At that time, women were largely responsible for the creation of intricate and artistic baskets such as this one, while men wove those for utilitarian purposes. Feather baskets represent hours of work; feathers must be dried, scraped clean of organic materials, and carefully slid between each stitch. Northern and Eastern Pomo call the bands of isosceles triangles that cover this basket the butterfly design; Central Pomo refer to them as the arrowhead-half design.

Kathleen Howe, Nuance of Sky: Edgar Heap of Birds Invites Spirit Objects to Join His Art Practice (Claremont: Pomona College Museum of Art, 2013), 20 illustrated/color.
Kay Koeninger and Joanne M. Mack, "Native American Art from the Permanent Collection" (Claremont: Galleries of the Claremont Colleges, 1979), 84, fig. 287.

Brewer trade.

This object has the following keywords:

• Butterfly pattern
• Geometric motifs
• Gifts

This object was included in the following exhibitions:

• Nuance of Sky: Edgar Heap of Birds Invites Spirit Objects to Join His Art Practice , 1/21/2013 - 4/14/2013

• Overall Dimensions: 3 1/4 x 5 3/4 x 5 3/4 in. (8.26 x 14.61 x 14.61 cm) Measured by Cornejo-Reynoso, Aitzin

This object has the following bibliographic references:

• Native American Art from the Permanent Collection. Native American Art from the Permanent Collection Galleries of the Claremont Colleges. Claremont, CA, 1979
  Page Number: 84, Figure Number: 287
• Nuance of Sky. Nuance of Sky Pomona College Museum of Art. Claremont, 2013
  Page Number: 20

This object is a member of the following portfolios: