Wiyot-Karuk Polychrome Lidded Basket by Elizabeth Hickox (circa 1872 or 1875 - 1947)

Robert Hardiman

Bob Adams, Tucson, Arizona

American Private Collection, acquired from the above on July 14, 2011

Elizabeth Hickox (1872-1947) was the most famous artist in the history of Native California basketweaving. Her baskets are immediately identifiable by their distinctive forms, which most often feature tall, elegant knobs, and by their remarkable delicacy and fineness. Hickox was admired for her “exceptional care taken in weaving” (Marvin S. Cohodas, Basket Weavers for the California Curio Trade: Elizabeth and Louise Hickox, Tucson and Los Angeles, 1997, p. 137), and produced baskets for the booming curio trade of the early 20^th century, intending for them to be picked up, handled and admired. The present example is of classic form, but distinctive in its generous use of yellow.