Panama, Darien Province, Wounaan, ca. turn of 21st century CE. A stunning pair of hand-woven baskets, the larger created by a Panamanian Wounaan artisan, of a rounded form with an abbreviated neck and subtly flared rim, adorned with repeated crab and seaweed motif inspired by Panama's natural environment in russet red and sage green hues, with a tightly woven orange, russet, and yellow spiral at the base. The Wounan women from the rainforest of the Darien province of Panama create beautiful hand-woven baskets like this example, comprised of finely woven vegetal fibers colored with natural dyes. Dr. John Cubit writes, "A variety of reeds and palm fibers are normally used. The colors are produced with natural extracts of plants and earth, using the traditional method for dyeing basket fibers. Seldom, if ever, are two baskets alike. The original designs usually portray life in the village, local animals and insects, or plant life." (Darien Traders bifold pamphlet included with the basket) In addition, according to Dr. Cubit, this basket was produced for Darien Traders and all income earned from the initial sale reduced "the need to destroy the rain forest for agriculture." This lot also includes an older, near miniature rectangular basket with a handled lid, finely woven from natural fibers. A stunning basket boasting a unique design and a graceful form from this indigenous culture of Panama and a sweet cemplementary mini basket. Size: 7.75" in diameter x 6.75" H (19.7 cm x 17.1 cm)

Provenance: ex-Morgan Collection, Santa Monica, CA.

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#117643

Wounan basket in choice condition. Mini basket shows nice aging but is intact and excellent.