This basket tray, in the complexity of its design and the quality of its execution, is perhaps the ultimate expression of the Mission basket weaver's art. It was probably made expressly to be sold to a non-Native collector. Fancy Mission baskets destined for the marketplace often incorporated human and animal figures, especially snakes. This complex composition features a lizard in the center with opposing rattlesnakes curling up the sides of the basket. A bat and several quadrupeds with long flowing tails complete the design.

• Collection History Provenance

  The Elizabeth Cole Butler Collection.

---

• Type of Item basket
• Culture Mission, Cahuilla
• Material sumac, juncus, grass
• Measurements height 2.25 in, width 17.5 in, depth 26.0 in (overall)

---

• Creator Cahuilla artist

---

---

• Creation Date during 1915

---

• Categories California; Great Basin; Baskets