Karok Baskets

Artist Edward S. Curtis (American, 1868 - 1952)

Engraver Suffolk Engraving Company (American, active early 20th century)

Mediumphotogravure on paper

Dimensions17 3/4 × 22 inches (45.1 × 55.9 cm)
Other (Plate): 13 1/4 × 16 1/2 inches (33.7 × 41.9 cm)

Credit LinePurchase of the Nelda C. and H.J. Lutcher Stark Foundation, 2013

Object number2013.2.13.4

ClassificationsPhotographs

Label TextIn this image, Edward S. Curtis displayed the cultural objects of the Karok. They are a native people of northwestern California. Curtis composed an array of baskets. They are outside against a leaf background. He probably chose the setting to provide good lighting. The location also emphasized the natural origin of the baskets’ materials. Curtis described some of the materials. He mentioned hazel rod and roots of pine. He did not identify the individual basket makers. However, his photogravure conveys the community’s tradition of making beautiful objects for use. Connect with R.W. Fichter’s DC’s Prints on Porch and C.M. Russell’s Friend Goodwin [Philip R. Goodwin].

ProvenanceAcquired by subscription directly from the artist by the National Geographic Society, Washington, D.C. [1]; purchased December 6, 2012 through (Christies, New York, New York [2]) by Arader Galleries, New York, New York; purchased June 10, 2013 through (Arader Galleries, New York, New York) by the Nelda C. and H.J. Lutcher Stark Foundation; accessioned to the Stark Museum of Art | 1. This set was stored in the National Geographic Society’s archive housed in the Society’s Washington, D.C. headquarters. | 2. "The National Geographic Collection: The Art of Exploration," December 6, 2012, Christie’s, New York, Rockefeller Plaza, sale 2603, lot 65

On View

Not on view