Separation of the Sexes Coiled Plaque

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Separation of the Sexes Coiled Plaque

Separation of the Sexes Coiled Plaque

Separation of the Sexes Coiled Plaque

"Separation of the Sexes"
Coiled Pictorial Basket Plaque
Alicia Nelson
Navajo
12 3/4" diameter
SM413
$2,100
Woven from sumac

This basket represents the artist's interpretation of a story from Navajo myth.  Originally a rug weaver, Alicia employs designs that remind one of rug patterns.  She is married to Jonathan Black, son of famed basket-maker Mary Holiday Black.

Some of the lines in this basket represent the 'discussion' that occurred when the men and women were separated according to a story from Navajo myth.  This is one of the 'story baskets' that relay messages and teachings implicit in Navajo narrative tradition.

An abreviated version of the story is as follows:
 

"They Lived on Opposite Sides"
With some  instigation from Trickster Coyote, the men and women fought and decided to live apart for four years.  The men crossed a river to live on the other side from the women.  The women tried to fend for themselves.  They learned to make fire, planted corn, and hunted birds for meat.  But their crops grew smaller and the women began to get weak.  Finally, Scolding Woman and Head Man agreed to re-unite the sexes.  So they all got together and talked.  The Head Man said, "This will not happen again in the future."

 Alicia has told us that the zig-zag motif represents the bickering words that were spoken.  A female figure is seen with Yellow Sun and Darker for Moon.  Three men are depicted on the other side.  The blue in the basket represents water.  Note also the rainbow bands near the basket's rim.