Mid-20th Century Yanomami Gathering Basket

Description

This impressive mid-20th century Yanomami gathering basket is a stunning example of indigenous craftsmanship. It features a large, woven form … more This impressive mid-20th century Yanomami gathering basket is a stunning example of indigenous craftsmanship. It features a large, woven form adorned with distinctive squiggle lines drawn in black ash, evocative of the Amazon river on which the Yanomami live. The design is both symbolic and functional, reflecting the Yanomami people's deep connection to their environment.

The Yanomami are an indigenous tribe living in the Amazon rainforest, primarily in Brazil and Venezuela. Baskets like this one are integral to their daily life, used for gathering food, carrying goods, and even in ritual practices. The intricate patterns are not merely decorative; they hold cultural significance, often representing aspects of Yanomami cosmology and identity.

This basket exemplifies the Yanomami's mastery of natural materials and their rich cultural traditions. It is more than just a utilitarian object; it is a piece of art that embodies the resilience, heritage, and deep-rooted traditions of the Yanomami people. less