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Native American, South America, Brazil, Bakairi Indians, ca. 19th to early 20th century CE. A fascinating anthropological object, this is a mayaku, or child's carrying basket. It is made from bent sticks lashed together into a long, ovoid frame with high, steep sides and one pointed end, giving it the appearance of a boat in profile. The body is covered with thin, dried tree bark that looks similar to leather, forming an enclosed space for a child. The Bakairi live on the upper Xingu River and use objects like these for carrying children safely. Size: 10.5" L x 37" W x 11.65" H (26.7 cm x 94 cm x 29.6 cm)

Illustrations of similar objects can be found on plate 240, #s 3-5 in Otis Tufton Mason's exhaustive study, "American Indian Baskets", vol. 1 + vol 2. published as one volume by Dover reprints in 1988. This important study was originally published in 1904 as "Indian Basketry". Doubleday, N.Y.

Provenance: ex-Davis collection, Houston, Texas, acquired before 2013 from various auction houses in London and New York

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Display stands not described as included/custom in the item description are for photography purposes only and will not be included with the item upon shipping.

#138676

Losses to bark around one end as shown in the photographs; the bark is in somewhat fragile condition and has come away from the top of the basket in places. The bent sticks are generally in nice condition, and the form of the basket is strong.