Documented Tradition - Handwoven Pine Needle Basket w Lid – Signed & Dated – Raffia Coiled Fiber Art

Handwoven 1995 pine needle basket with lid, signed and dated by Tinkasau of New Mexico. Finely coiled with raffia and accompanied by original documentation card.

A striking example of contemporary Native pine needle basketry from the 1990s — sculptural, textural, and rich with craft tradition.

The accompanying card references the pine needle weaving tradition historically associated with the Alabama - Coushatta Tribe of Texas and related Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana communities, where pine needle basketry remains an important cultural art form.

The name “Tinkasau” is presented exactly as written on the original card. While I do not have formal tribal enrollment documentation, the materials, technique, and structure are consistent with late 20th-century Alabama-Coushatta pine needle basketry.

Crafted in the traditional coiled method, bundles of long pine needles are wrapped and stitched in a continuous spiral using raffia (palm fiber). The careful, even stitching and dark accent detailing create subtle movement around the body of the basket. The fitted lid is topped with a coiled knob finial, completing the form with balance and craftsmanship.

Condition & Notes:
This basket remains in excellent vintage condition with tight, even stitching and its original clear protective finish applied by the maker to stabilize the fibers. The lid shows a slightly warmer, more golden tone than the body of the basket, a natural variation consistent with pine needle aging and differential exposure to light and handling over time.

The underside rim of the lid and the upper edge of the basket match in tone, confirming the lid as original to the piece. The original handwritten documentation card is included.

Details
• Handwoven pine needle construction
• Traditional coiled technique
• Raffia stitching
• Decorative dark accent stitches
• Dated and numbered 1995
• Original handwritten provenance card included
• Very good vintage condition

Approx. Measurements
7 / 1/2" Length
5 / 1/2" Height including lid

This piece is described to the best of my knowledge based on accompanying documentation and traditional construction methods. I aim to represent Indigenous art respectfully and accurately.



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