Trio of Mid Century Amazonian Ye'kuana Indigenous Artisan Woven Baskets

The Ye'Kuana or Makiritare as they are also known, are an indigenous group living in the Amazonian, Orinoco Basin in Southern Venezuela. Although estimates vary, the population of the Ye'Kuana people is thought to be under 5,000 people. Famous for their dug out canoes, the name 'Ye'Kuana' means canoe people and the Ye'Kuana people rely heavily on the river system for their food and transportation. They are also known for their basket weaving artistry, their beautifully crafted basketry, offers a rare glimpse into their culture and daily lives.

Both the men and women weave and the intricately woven, decorative baskets or guapas are very much a part of their daily lives. Young men are encouraged to weave and create their own unique symbols and patterns, interwoven onto the guapas. With the guapas serving as a symbol of unity and a family crest for all the Ye'Kuana. Hourglass shaped baskets, like two of the trio listed, known as 'wuwa' are created by women. These baskets serve as multi-purpose vessels, used to carry food, firewood and heavy items. Women place the bark strip attached to the rim of the basket, across their foreheads to carry various loads. Women decorate the baskets with figures of animals and birds that, according to Ye'Kuana mythology, offer protection and well being to the basket user. The imagery from the baskets, is present in the carriers subconscious mind and through daily use, this reinforces the protective powers of the animals. Animals frequently featured include, monkeys, picures, jaguars, pumas, baquiros, anacondas and frogs, these animals are sacred creatures. The various designs offer a fleeting introduction into the rich culture of the Ye'Kuana.

This mid century trio of baskets are all original pieces collected in the late 1950's and enjoyed for many years by one careful owner. This colourful set consists of two wuwa's and a larger round shaped lidded guapas basket. All baskets are depicted with animal decorations, traditional to the Ye'Kuana. The baskets have been kept in dry conditions are well preserved despite their vintage. These highly collectable artisan baskets will look stunning within any setting, contemporary, modern style or just preserved as precious artefacts from a culturally rich and diverse part of the world.

Dimensions are as follows:

Round Rust coloured Basket with lid height 39 cm x width 44 cm x thickness 2 - 3 mm
Large wuwa height 40 cm x width 43 cm x thickness 2 - 3 mm
Med wuwa height 28 cm x width 28 cm x thickness 2 - 3 mm