Story by IARC collections assistant Molly Winslow.
For our In the Vaults series, we are sharing some of our staff favorites from the Indian Arts Research Center (IARC) collections. Here is a piece that was selected by IARC registrar Jennifer Day.
Left: IARC registrar Jennifer Day. Right: Unknown artist (Chemehuevi), n.d. Yucca coiled jar, SAR.1999-1-5. Photograph by Addison Doty. Copyright 2008 School for Advanced Research.
During uncertain times, the calming and consistent rows of a beautifully made basket may be just what you need. Since working mostly from home, staff at the IARC have been reflecting on their favorite pieces in the IARC vaults. Registrar Jennifer Day selected a Chemehuevi basket.
This coiled yucca jar stands about 6.5 inches high and measures a little over 7 inches in diameter. The basket features four stepped designs and a flat base. It was a gift of the Estate of Henry L. Upjohn. Unfortunately, we don’t know much more about this beautiful basket, including the identity of its maker. Jennifer says, “I’ve liked this piece since the first time I saw it, and several others similar to it in the collection. Though our records don’t contain much information about it, it speaks to me all the same. It makes me feel a sense of order and calm when I look at it. It conveys the quality of quietness, but with a tangible, elegant presence.”
Click on the link below to see more baskets from the IARC collections on our eMuseum. Look out for future posts with more staff picks from the IARC collections!
See more baskets on eMuseum.
Visit the eMuseum
and explore thousands of works of Native American art from the Indian Arts Research Center collections, including the basket described above.