Artist Once Known, Western Apache, Polychrome basket, c. 1920. Willow, martynia, yucca root, 15.5 x 12 inches. Gift of the Basha Family Collection.
The exhibition celebrates the Basha family’s gift of the Eddie Basha Collection of American Indian Art to the Heard Museum. Heart of the Community: Baskets from the Basha Family Collection of American Indian Art is the first in a series of exhibitions that recognize a stellar collection. The exhibition title recognizes Eddie Basha’s dedication to the good of his community and his appreciation of American Indian communities of which art is an integral part. Many of the baskets were woven in the early decades of the 20th century in Arizona. They come from a time when weavers were fully exploring their art form, referencing design important to their lives and recognizing change. The art of Western Apache, Yavapai, and Akimel O’odham weavers will be featured with the exhibition providing context for the time in which the baskets were woven and present contemporary photos of working basket weavers today.
