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