A Karuk polychrome coiled basket woven with a striking negative butterfly design, one of the most recognizable decorative motifs of northwestern California basketry. The Karuk homeland encompasses the middle reaches of the Klamath River in present-day Siskiyou and Humboldt Counties, where basket weaving formed an essential part of daily life and ceremonial tradition. Constructed of hazel shoots over a conifer root foundation with bear grass and dyed bracken fern root creating the contrasting decoration, baskets of this type served for gathering, storage, food preparation, and trade. The basket’s compact scale and carefully composed negative butterfly design are characteristic of examples that became popular with collectors during the flourishing Native California basket market of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.

Dimensions: 7 x 6.25 in.

Shipping: Free Sacramento pickup. Shipping via FedEx within the continental U.S. for $40 plus 1.5% insurance (unless waived in writing).

Very good overall condition with tight weaving, good form, and naturally mellow coloration consistent with age. Minor expected wear from age and use. No significant structural damage observed.