This baleen basket by Aleut artist Don Johnston has several distinguishing features:
First, it is oval in shape, which is rather uncommon, as the majority of baleen baskets are round.
Second is the light baleen spiraling down the side of the basket. This adds to the aesthetic value of the basket.
Third is the rich coloration of the whale tale finial. The walrus tusk Mr. Johnston used to carve the finial is extremely rich in coloration. This coloration occurs when tusks are buried in the mud and pick up colors from the minerals in the mud.
Don Johnston is a master weaver of baleen baskets. He has won top awards at Santa Fe Indian Market as well as the Heard Museum Guild Market and Fair. He is known for his tightly woven baskets as well as his innovations, such as the light baleen spiral, use of Argentium silver, and more.
See an interview with the artist by clicking or tapping here.
See a video of the artist working as well as some of his finished works here.
Basket is 5 1/2 inches x 5 inches x 5 inches high to the top of the whale tail finial. The basket is signed on the base ivory, though it is not legible in the photos.
Please note that products containing ivory or other marine mammal components cannot be shipped to New York, New Jersey, Hawaii, or California. As of this writing, it is still legal to ship these products to all other states. Click here to see a brochure published by the U.S. Department of the Interior with more details on this topic.
