Weddings
Groom's Coiled Basket






Groom's Coiled Basket
Second Mesa, Hopi, late 1800s

This coiled plaque was probably made as a replica of the gift for the groom, because the last coil was unfinished. This practice is followed so that the groom will not meet an untimely death. The plaque is filled with piki or cornmeal and carried by the bride to her mother-in-law's house in return for the garments and gifts that she will receive from the groom's family. At his death, the groom's spirit will sail on the plaque to the underworld.

Yucca (Yucca angustissima), gelleta grass (Hilaria jamesii), vegetable dye; D 36.0 cm; 715-21, gift of United States National Museum