Basketry Bowl, c. 1920
Attributed to Maggie Walker
Northfork Rancheria of the Western Mono People, California
white willow, sedge root, bracken fern root (dark brown)
2.5” high x 6” diameter
Mint condition
Acclaimed basket weaver Maggie Walker was from the Northfork Rancheria of the Western Mono/Monache People of central California. Her most active weaving period was from 1910-1925.
The Mono or Western Mono (also called Monache) are a Native American group native to the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada mountains in central California. They are traditionally divided into regional groups with a rich culture centered on high-altitude living, acorn harvesting, and basket weaving.
The key features of a traditional coiled Mono basket include horizontal bands broken by diagonal or vertical elements, including lightning patterns, diamond shapes, snake bands, and the "Flight of the Butterfly" design. Materials gathered for weaving include white willow, sedge root, brackenfern root for dark black/brown contrasts, and redbud for reddish-brown accents.
