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
2020 Accession Highlight
Elizabeth Hickox is widely recognized as 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 art dealer Grace Nicholson, who marketed them for her to collectors and museums. An artist- entrepreneur, Hickox was able to provide a steady income to travel, support her family, and live a cosmopolitan life.
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