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Page 20 The Antique Shoppe November, 2017 CLUES: Most popular with collectors are baskets made in the
The Antique Detective Southeast and Southwest, known for their decorative figure work. A

problem for beginning collectors is that contemporary basketry is often
by Anne Gilbert made in the old style and designs are still being made.
Knowing what materials were used by the different tribes helps
to identify. For instance, the Florida Seminoles and Miccosukee’s
SOME NATIVE AMERICAN BASKETS made their baskets from pine needles. Western tribes used rush, yucca
HOLD THEIR VALUE and grasses as well as willow or other materials native to their area.
Northwest tribes used grasses and roots. The fine baskets made by the
In the current auction world of uncertainty there are some objects that Cherokees in North Carolina, Tennessee and Oklahoma were made from
still can find buyers willing to pay big bucks. However, as I scrolled oak-splint and cane, often tinted with vegetable dyes. The Southwest
eBay I found there are over a thousand sellers tribes used the devils claw plant for designs in
hoping to connect. Seems like everybody has black. They were often trimmed with feathers,
a Native American basket they would like beads, horsehair and shells.
to unload. And then there are the examples When a basket is described as “Mission”
that come to specialized auctions. Rarities this refers to baskets made in California’s
still fetch thousands of dollars. So, if you are Franciscan Friars missions. Hundreds were
selling a Native American basket what are made, usually of sumac and rush. A good
your chances of not only selling it but getting example can sell for thousands of dollars.
a good price? Historically, baskets for tourists were first
The shape of baskets for utilitarian use sold at the San Diego Exposition, 1915, by
was determined by their purpose. There the Fred Harvey Company. During the 19202,
were burden baskets, water containers, bottle 30s, hundreds were made and sold to tourists
shaped baskets to hold small seeds and water. at railroad stations, gift shops and road side
Flat trays could hold food or winnowing grain. stands.
19th century baskets are considered choice. When you bid at auction for a quality piece
Animal figures bring more money that you will be competing with not only private
geometrics. collectors and dealers but Native American
Museums that often buy back their own tribal
Apache pictorial Olia. Sold for $15,990 items.
Credit: Skinner Auctions.

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