Tohono O'odham Basket with Cats

This is the first time I have seen cats adorning a Tohono O'odham (Papago) basket! This one has eight of them revolving around the center. As most of the tribal animal effigies on baskets are based on natural world, these are probably intended to be one of four varieties of wildcats we have here in the Sonoran Desert: bobcats, ocelots, cougars & even a few jaguars! With two sizes, it reminds me of adult cats with kittens. (A group of cats is interestingly called a "clutter" of cats!) This was made by artist Verna Miguel. She wove it the traditional way: bundles of beargrass or cattails were wrapped with natural colored yucca & dark brown devil's claw. The cats have oversewn ears and tails. There are geometric shapes that may represent paw prints. The edge was detailed with ticking in dark brown devil's claw. This has a tag signed by the artist. It measures approx 8.25" H x 8.25" W x 1/2" D. This is a really special basket, and would delight a cat lover! It would make a wonderful addition to any collection of southwestern art. See the other cat basket I have in the shop! 

Excellent Condition! New old stock from the 80's.

Note: The Tohono O'odham were formerly known as the Papago. Their name translates to "people of the desert." They are closely related to the Tohono Akimel, formerly known as the Pima, whose name translates to "people of the river."