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Andrew T. Higgins, registrar with the
Arizona State Museum, examines a Hopi
wicker plaque prior to tagging it with a
tiny identifying code on the underside.
/ Chris Richards photo
Embodying the Hopi Spirit
Collection of rare basketry donated to Arizona State Museum
by Arizona State Museum
ver 200 Hopi baskets have joined more The 177 wicker, 29 coiled and 3 plaited
Othan 30,000 specimens in the Arizona baskets enhance the museum’s existing
State Museum’s unparalleled collection of collection, which was placed on a list of
American Indian woven items, known as the 61 of America’s Treasures by the National
world’s largest, most comprehensive and best Endowment for the Humanities and given
documented assemblage of its kind. the moniker “Woven Wonders” in 2006.
The basket donation came from Judith W. Integral to the daily and ceremonial lives
and Andrew D. Finger, residents of Dallas and of the Hopi, their baskets are among the most
Santa Fe, New Mexico, who previously have appreciated and sought-after art forms of
donated ceramic vessels to ASM. the Southwest. Third Mesa basket weavers
“The Finger collection is as meticulously are renowned for their wicker work, while
documented as it was lovingly assembled,” Second Mesa basket weavers specialize in
says Patrick D. Lyons, director of the coiling. Both techniques can depict katsinam.
Arizona State Museum, which is on the The katsina religion dates back at least to the
University of Arizona campus. “These 14th century, and many aficionados of Native
baskets are outstanding in terms of their ‘The Finger collection American art are familiar with katsina dolls,
research and teaching value. Each embodies the carved representations of Hopi spirit
Hopi traditions, stories, iconography and is as meticulously helpers created from cottonwood root.
technology. At ASM, they will be preserved documented as it The ASM has more than 4,000 historic
and made available for the edification and and contemporary baskets, and the Finger
enjoyment of current and future generations. was lovingly Collection enhances ASM’s ability to illustrate
As a student of Hopi culture myself, I am assembled.’ the many facets and beauty of Hopi culture.
thrilled by the possibilities for research,
exhibits and public programs.”
SPRING 2018 15
