BUYING NATIVE BASKETS

Look for stitches that are tight and even. They should be close together, coiled securely, with no missing stitches.

Pay attention to how the basket feels in your hands. It should feel sturdy and hold its shape.

When there are figures woven within the basket, look to see that they are clean and carefully created. Missed stitches can make them appear sloppy.

“As a collector and then a dealer, the emotions that a certain basket evokes is what has driven my desire to collect and sell baskets…my advice to a buyer at Indian Market would be to buy the best you can afford.” —Debra Sherman, owner, Dancing Wolf Gallery