48: A LARGE 1930s ANAMOSA PENITENTIARY FOLK ART BASKET

During the 1930s, a particular form of Folk Art, sometimes classified as Outsider Art, obviously Prison Art, was created at the Anamosa State Penitentiary in Anamosa Iowa. Purportedly, examples of this short-lived art form were produced exclusively by Native American inmates and sold at the prison store. While the forms tended to be urn-like and of Art Deco influence, the brightly colored motifs sometimes displayed traditional Sioux, Lakota and Plains Indian symbolism influence.

The construction was a wire frame, or 'warp' in basket making terms, while the weft was a sort of fiber rattan material woven horizontally. Well-preserved examples like this one retain a woven leather ornament around the neck. No record of an example as large as this could be found.
Measures 26 x 13.5 x 13.5 inches.
Very good original condition, there are no issues of damage or repair, light wear at some edges as shown.
$300 - $500