Chumash baskets are among the rarest of all California Indian types. Spanish settlers arriving in the late 1700s forced nearly all of the Chumash into missions, where their population diminished and cultural practices such as basket weaving were stifled and slowly eradicated. The flaring form, tight weave and intricate geometric pattern of this basket are typical of the finest Chumash artistry, and its size and shape indicate that it may have been used as a serving bowl or presentation piece. The warm, richly variegated background results from the natural hue of the juncus plant.
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