Petrified Hopi Basket – Second Mesa

Lincoln Seitzman, Petrified Hopi Basket--Second Mesa, 1993, guatambu, wenge, bloodwood, and lacewood, 13 ¹⁄₈ x 14 ⁵⁄₈ in. diam. (33.4 x 37.1 cm), Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Fleur and Charles Bresler in honor of Kenneth R. Trapp, curator-in-charge of the Renwick Gallery (1995−−2003), 2003.60.53

Artwork Details

Title: Petrified Hopi Basket – Second Mesa
Artist: Lincoln Seitzman
Date: 1993
Location: Not on view
Dimensions: 13 ¹⁄₈ x 14 ⁵⁄₈ in. diam. (33.4 x 37.1 cm)
Credit Line: Gift of Fleur and Charles Bresler in honor of Kenneth R. Trapp, curator-in-charge of the Renwick Gallery (1995−−2003)
Mediums: wenge
bloodwood
lacewood
guatambu
Mediums Description: guatambu, wenge, bloodwood, and lacewood
Classifications: Decorative Arts
Object Number: 2003.60.53
Linked Open Data: https://edan.si.edu/saam/id/object/2003.60.53

Artwork Description

Lincoln Seitzman is inspired by old Indian baskets, and his turnings often replicate their geometric designs. Hopi baskets originated in northeast Arizona, where Second Mesa weavers today sustain a tradition of coiled basketry. Seitzman draws on this tradition, combining coils of creamy guatambu, vivid bloodwood, dark wenge (pronounced when-gay), and silvery lacewood to create a vibrant woven surface.