Basket, c. 1920
Elizabeth Hickoxexpand_more
Maidenhair fern, porcupine quills, lichenexpand_more
The Patricia and Peter Freschette Endowment for Art Acquisition and the Jane and James Emison Endowment for Native American Artexpand_more 2020.1a,b
Not on Viewexpand_more
Elizabeth Hickox is widely recognized as being one of the most important indigenous basket makers of the 20th century. At the height of the “Indian basket craze” in the late 19th and early 20th century, Hickox created unique baskets for sale to high-end collectors and museums. Her incredibly fine work is apparent in the 800 stitches per square inch that appear in her baskets. 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. Hickox was an entrepreneur, and exclusively sold her baskets to art dealer Grace Nicholson, who marketed them for her to collectors. In turn, Hickox was able to provide a steady income for her family, enjoy travel, 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.
Does something look wrong with this image? Let us know
Zoom in on the left to the detail you'd like to save. Click 'Save detail' and wait until the image updates. Right click the image to 'save image as' or copy link, or click the image to open in a new tab.