Large Navajo Wedding Ceremonial Basket Handwoven Natural and Brown

Baskets like this are used in rites to hold sacred corn meal porridge during a Navajo wedding ceremony. I don’t know that this particular basket was used in a wedding ceremony. It may have been produced to sell. The foundation for most traditional Navajo baskets is the ceremonial wedding basket. It represents the Blessing Way or a state of balance and harmony between all living creatures. It blesses the owner with happiness, security and general well-being. There are a few interpretations of the design but one is as follows: The center portion represents the emergence of the person into the current world from the prior world. The inside black portion represents the clouds that make rain. The red bands represent a rainbow. The outside black portion represents the sacred mountains. And the undyed rim represents the external world including the Sun, Moon and Stars. There is always an opening in the design, or a spirit line, which creates the link between the internal and external worlds. When used in ceremonies, it is always placed to point the way east. Enhance your home with this beautifully handwoven basket. Featuring natural and brown tones, it adds a rustic charm to any space. Perfect for organizing or as a decorative accent. Colors are perfect for autumn/fall decor. Base of basket measures 5.5-6”, diameter of basket measures 15”, depth is about 4.5”