The Art and Tradition
of Hopi Coil Baskets

Chimayo Trading Staff Report | July 2025

Hopi coil baskets are more than just woven objects; they are a living expression of Hopi identity, spirituality, and community. Through their intricate designs and time-honored techniques, these baskets carry the stories of the Hopi people, their connection to the land and their enduring traditions. As both functional items and cultural treasures, Hopi coil baskets stand as a powerful symbol of artistry and heritage in Native American culture.

Looking beyond our collection of Hopi Wicker Trays, we see many Hopi Coil Plaques and Baskets worthy of much admiration. Visit the Chimayo Trading Gallery in Ranchos de Taos or online at chimayotrading.com to see our complete collection of Hopi Coil Plaques and Baskets.

Hopi coil baskets, primarily crafted by the women of Second Mesa in northeastern Arizona, are a vital part of Hopi culture, embodying both practical utility and deep symbolic meaning.

“Crow Bride” Kachina Coil Plaque by Clarenda Lomayestewa, 14″ x 1.4″, $875

These baskets, made from natural materials like yucca and galleta grass, are not only functional but also serve as essential elements in Hopi ceremonies, social customs, and expressions of gratitude.

Antelope Coil Plaque, ca. 1960s – 13.5″ x 1″, $975

Hopi coil baskets are created using a coiling technique, where bundles of galleta grass form the foundation, wrapped and stitched with thin strips of yucca leaves. The gathering of materials is a year-long process, with specific times for collecting plants to achieve desired colors. White and yellow yucca leaves are picked at particular seasons, while green leaves are selected year-round from the plant’s outer parts.

Very Rare Coil Plaque by Sitak-Pu, ca. 19th Century – 12″ x .5″, $980

The weaving process requires significant skill, passed down through generations from mother to daughter or grandmother to granddaughter. The baskets are often designed with intricate patterns, including motifs like kachina figures, rainclouds, deer, and the Hopi mesas, reflecting the Hopi’s connection to their environment, spirituality, and daily life. The finishing technique of the coil’s end, or “gate,” can indicate the weaver’s marital and childbearing status.

Kokopelli Mana Coil Plaque, ca. 1950s – 15″ x .5″, $950

Hopi coil baskets are far more than decorative or utilitarian objects; they are deeply woven into the fabric of Hopi social and ceremonial life. Baskets are used in rituals such as the annual corn harvest, rainmaking ceremonies, and rites of passage, including weddings and initiations.

Eagle Coil Plaque/Bowl – 13.5″ x 2.5″, $650

These baskets also function as a form of social currency within the Hopi community. They are given as gifts to express gratitude for acts of kindness, such as helping with a cornfield or assisting with a wedding. Small coil baskets might be given to children for kind acts, reinforcing values of generosity and community.

Eagle Coil Plaque/Bowl – 13.5″ x 2.5″, $650

These baskets also function as a form of social currency within the Hopi community. They are given as gifts to express gratitude for acts of kindness, such as helping with a cornfield or assisting with a wedding. Small coil baskets might be given to children for kind acts, reinforcing values of generosity and community.

Mudhead Kachina Coil Plaque, ca. 1970s – 10″ x .5″, $550

Designs on the baskets often carry symbolic weight. The Mudhead Kachina (Koyemsi), is a clown figure in Hopi and Zuni traditions that serves as an entertainer and joker during ceremonies. Its name comes from the mud-covered masks worn by the dancers, symbolizing humor and the importance of laughter in community events. Other common motifs include various kachinas and animals such as eagles, turtles and antelopes, to name a few.

Coil Plaque by Carrie Harris, Second Mesa 1963- 13.5″ x 1.5″, $750

Originally, Hopi coil baskets were primarily plaques (called poota on Second Mesa and yungyapu on Third Mesa) used for ceremonial and domestic purposes. Over time, as tourism grew in the early 20th century, particularly with the influence of trading posts, weavers adapted their designs to appeal to non-Hopi buyers. Despite this commercialization, many baskets remain within the Hopi community, preserving their cultural significance.

Coil Plaque ca. 1970 – 13″ x 1″, $750

Today, Second Mesa weavers recognized as some of the finest in North America. However, the art form faces challenges, as fewer weavers continue the practice due to the labor-intensive process and the scarcity of traditional materials caused by environmental changes. Modern weavers often use a mix of natural and synthetic dyes, though there is a resurgence in using traditional plant-based dyes to maintain authenticity.

“Water Maiden” Kachina Coil Plaque by Ruby Saufkie, Second Mesa ca. 1967 – 16″ x 2″, $950

Coil baskets remain a testament to the Hopi’s resilience and commitment to cultural preservation. Whether used in ceremonies, given as gifts, or sold to collectors, these baskets continue to weave together the threads of Hopi life, connecting past, present, and future.

Crow Mother Kachina Coil Basket, ca. 1930s – 8″ x 12″, $1800

Coil Basket, ca. 1930s – 9″ x 12.5″, $1800

Mudhead Kachina Coil Basket, ca. 1930s – 9″ x 12.5″, $550

Coil Basket Bowl – 7.5″ x .5″, $295

There are more Hopi Coil Baskets and Coil Plaques to be seen in our collection at chimayotrading.com

We still have a few Hopi Wicker Trays available, please take a look at chimayotrading.com, or come by the Chimayo Trading Gallery in the Saint Francis Church Plaza in Ranchos de Taos.

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Contact us directly to discuss and evaluate your collection. If you’re an artist, contact us about the possibility of selling your art on consignment or direct wholesale purchase.

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