There are more than 700 baskets in this tiny museum, only a few steps from yesterday’s Lake Tahoe’s dam. Now looking back through my photographs I have to wonder if this was when the geometric squares seed was planted.

The majority of these baskets were made between 1890 and 1940 by Native American Weavers from more than 80 different tribes. They were collected by Marion Steinbach, who since the age of 16 years had had a passion for baskets. As well as purchasing the baskets, she spent time with the native peoples to understand the differences between tribal baskets, to learn how shape effected usage, appreciate the variety of weaving techniques and discover what the patterns meant. In time she became so knowledgeable that she was able to teach others in their weaving techniques, and help ensure that the techniques were not lost and forgotten.

The collection includes ‘utilitarian’ baskets used for fishing, hunting, food gathering as well as the more decorated ones that were used for storage and ceremonial purposes. I have put ‘utilitarian’ in quotes as in my eyes even the plain everyday baskets are highly decorative and works of art.

Native American Geometric Artistry

88 thoughts

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  8. What a wonderful collection! I collect Native American pottery, fetishes, and Kachinas. When I saw your pictures I realized I had a couple of small pots that were perfect for this challenge!

    I had a couple of baskets, but I also had a dog who ate baskets and during her puppyhood, they were vanquished. The pottery survives. I did have to take some pictures and I will show them in color AND black & white because they are quite remarkable. Post after midnight.

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      1. Most pottery survived. I had one bad breakage incident and lost a very pretty pot — one of my favorites. Since then, I’ve moved shelving around so I’m less likely to damage anything.

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        2. I was kneeling to pick something up from the floor and when I stood up, my shoulder hit the shelf and CRASH. It’s an awful sound because you just know bad things have happened. I’m lucky I only lost ONE piece. It could have been a lot worse.

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    1. thank you so much – and I know, I guess they have lasted so well as she bought them for her collection rather than to use

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  16. These are very similar to baskets from South Africa, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. — I know I got confused about your “Becky in Portugal” post – but in truth you called it “A Geometric Sunday”. I took your bait! (sorry, to make you more work).

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