Indian Basket Weaving by the Navajo School of Indian Basketry by Navaho School of Indian Basketry

Los Angeles: Whedon & Spreng Co., 1903. 8vo (9" x 6"), flexible burlap, border in red on front cover, staples and cord-ties at spine; housed in printed paperboard slipcase. [6], 103 pp., numerous b&w and color illus., 1 laid-in 6.5" x 11" pink price list. 7 separate sheets of illus. of baskets (6" x 9" to 21.5" x 14"), some folding, enclosed in original envelope with a list of various designs available from the publisher.

First edition of an appealing manual on traditional Native American basket-making, scarce in any condition and especially with the original slipcase and envelope of designs.

This comprehensive work by members of the Navajo School of Basketry expertly illustrates and explains-in clear, simple language-the many weaves and stitches employed in traditional Native American Basketry. The work covers basic techniques; choice of materials; preparation of the reed; splicing; the introduction of color; principles and methods of design; shaping the basket; and weaves from a range of Native American cultures as indicated by their names. Chapters are devoted to General Directions for Weaving; Continuous Coil Basket; Klikitat Weave (Imbricated); Man-Tsu-Wu Weave (Three Bam); Bird-Cage Weave; Polish and Wood Stains for Rattans, and more. Offered here are suggestions for weaving shells, beads, feathers, fan palms, date palms and even pine needles, as well as recipes for the preparation of dyes. Examples of each type of basket are pictured, and various illustrations show the types of stitching and weave patterns-these being helpful at the crucial stage of beginning a basket. Included is a price-list of materials and designs, and seven illustrations (some of them folding) that accompany the book in an envelope.

CONDITION: Very good, light wear to end papers, minor fraying to the edges of burlap covers; contents clean and bright; wear to slipcase with some loss at corners.