Girl's Coiled Dowry or Puberty Basket (kol-chu or ti-ri-bu-ku)

late 19th century

This coiled Pomo basket displays symmetrical geometric designs and feather and shell-bead embellishments. Between 1890 and 1920, basket collecting by enthusiasts, dealers, and scientists had reached its height, and Pomo examples were the most coveted because of their fine weave and dazzling patterns.

Modeled on a traditional form, this basket was made for sale at time of extreme economic hardship for Native people in California.