1950s Navajo Ceremonial Basket

1950s Navajo ceremonial basket hand-coiled from sumac in the traditional wedding basket design. The composition is arranged in concentric bands of natural tan, dark brown, and red, with the characteristic pathway extending from the center outward through the design.

The red has softened with age, giving the basket a warm, muted appearance that complements the natural tones of the sumac. Its broad, shallow form and traditional pattern are characteristic of mid-20th-century Navajo ceremonial baskets, which were made for use in important ceremonies as well as for trade and collection.

13.25” Diameter, 2.25” Depth