round basket with stepped, geometric pattern; light yellow stepped diagonal zigzags throughout black/dark brown body; light brown rim; corresponding pattern on circular cover with knob; light brown interior with four black and yellow A-shapes around sloped center base

Basket, c. 1920

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Elizabeth Hickox is widely recognized as being one of the most important indigenous basket makers of the 20th century. Her work is incredibly fine, with as many as 800 stitches per square inch. Hickox combined plant material, usually maidenhair fern, with yellow porcupine quills (dyed with lichen) to create a strong color contrast and dynamic abstract designs. The lid’s tall knob handle is one of Hickox’s hallmarks and her own invention.

Working at the height of the “Indian basket craze” in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Hickox sold her unique baskets exclusively to the art dealer Grace Nicholson, who marketed them for her to collectors and museums. An artist and entrepreneur, Hickox was able to provide a steady income to travel, support her family, and live a cosmopolitan life.

Details
Title
Basket
Artist Life
Karuk, 1872 - 1947
Role
Artist
Accession Number
2020.1a,b
Curator Approved

This record has been reviewed by our curatorial staff but may be incomplete. These records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.

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round basket with stepped, geometric pattern; light yellow stepped diagonal zigzags throughout black/dark brown body; light brown rim; corresponding pattern on circular cover with knob; light brown interior with four black and yellow A-shapes around sloped center base