The Art and the Romance of Indian Basketry Clark Field Collection, Philbrook Art Center, Tulsa, 1964

c. 1890

Chapter 8185 wordsPublic domain

_Papago_—Arizona

Case No. 4:

This carrying, or burden, basket, referred to by _Papagos_ as _Kiaha_, is made of stems from the Cereus Giganteus Cactus and the twine from leaves of the Maguey plant. The Maguey plant played a major role in _Papago_ life due to the fact that food, rope, twine, varnish, needles, and liquor were obtained from it.

The _Papagos_ taught the Spaniards to make liquors from the juice of the Maguey plant more than four hundred years ago. The liquor is still made today in Mexico.

In 1540, the Spaniards, led by Coronado, arrived in the Southwest and found this basket being used in daily life. Such items as Mesquite beans, cactus, wood, water jars and corn were carried in this basket, which is equipped with a head band and rests on the shoulders. After the Spaniards introduced horses and horses became plentiful, the men ceased to have need for (or to make) this basket.

It is interesting to note that the weaving technique of this (one of the few baskets made by men) may be called the American counterpart of _Belgian Point Lace_. (See Plate 13d)

ROASTING TRAYS