Vintage 1990s Wounaan Geometric Basket Small Size Height 7cm

The intricate baskets created by Wounaan artists have gained popularity all over the world, the Wounaan are revered for their basketry techniques. Originally designed for practical purposes and transportation the baskets have now become contemporary works of art. Gaining inspiration from surrounding nature and the geometric patterns used in body painting, the talented artisans weave intricate designs into their baskets. The baskets are created from the supplest fibres from the native werregue palm also known as chunga and naguala palms. The pieces showcase an impressive range of colours, dyes created from the natural hues of local seeds, roots, berries, leaves and flowers. The weaving technique is so tight the vessels can actually hold water.

This particular woven basket was from a collectors personal collection curated from trips to South America over a number of years. The Wounaan people were encouraged to begin making smaller "tourist' baskets from the 1990s onwards as a way to supplement their incomes. This vintage basket is one of their earlier pieces. The colours have darkened over time but the basket itself is just as strong and durable as the day it was painstaking made. The geometric, repeating design is picked out in a natural fibre with a mid brown dye. A very collectable basket with great appeal and a must for any basket collector.

Dimensions are as follows:

Height 7 cm x width 10 cm x thickness 6 mm
Weight 76.25 grams