Pima and Papago Basketry:
A Tradition of Craft and Culture

Chimayo Trading Staff Report | August 2025

The Pima (Akimel O’odham) and Papago (Tohono O’odham) peoples, indigenous to the deserts of southern Arizona and northern Sonora, Mexico, have long been celebrated for their intricate and functional basketry. These baskets, woven from natural materials, reflect the deep connection these communities have with their environment, their cultural heritage, and their practical needs.

Come to Chimayo Trading at the Saint Francis Church Plaza in Ranchos de Taos to see our complete collection of Pima, Papago and many other historical baskets made by the tribes of the greater southwest and pacific northwest. Read more below about the Pima and Papago and the tradition of their craft and culture.

The Pima and Papago are believed to be descendants of the ancient Hohokam, a farming people known for their sophisticated irrigation systems. Historically, basketry was a central part of daily life during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. By the early 20th century, as Southwest Native American basketry gained recognition as a collectible art form.

Pima (Akimel O’odham) Squash Blossom Basket, ca.1920s – 9″ x 14″, $975

Pima and Papago baskets are crafted using materials native to the Sonoran Desert, carefully selected and prepared to ensure flexibility and durability. Common materials include, Willow Shoots, Cattail, Devil’s Claw (Martynia), Beargrass and Yucca which are more common in Papago baskets, these tougher materials are used due to the harsher desert environment.

Papago (Tohono O’odham) Basket with Lid, ca.1920-1930 – 11″ x 9.5″, $950

The preparation of these materials is labor-intensive, involving splitting, trimming, and soaking to achieve the right texture. Pima baskets are typically softer and more pliable, reflecting the availability of willow and cottonwood near the Gila River, while Papago baskets are stiffer due to the use of beargrass and yucca in their arid surroundings.

Pima (Akimel O’odham) Basket, ca.1900, Yucca, Devil’s Claw – 8.5″ x 14″, $1250

Both tribes employ similar techniques, including Coiled Weaving, Plain and Lattice Wrapped Weaving, Plaiting and Lace Coiling. Pima baskets typically feature a black center bottom that branches into intricate designs, such as the iconic “Man in the Maze,” symbolizing life’s journey and spiritual passage. Papago baskets often incorporate stiffer materials and straight rims with decorative stitching.

Papago (Tohono O’odham) Basket – 9″ x 16″, $750

Pima and Papago baskets are more than functional objects; they are imbued with cultural meaning. The “Man in the Maze” design, a sacred Pima symbol, represents the journey of life, with the weaver’s path through the maze leading to the Sun God at the center, signifying the transition to the next world. Designs often reflect the environment, with geometric patterns, stars, or motifs inspired by the desert landscape, such as the whirlwind or turtle shell.

Pima (Akimel O’odham) Basket Bowl, Early 20th Century, Cattail, Willow, Devil’s Claw – 12″ x 5″, $850

Pima and Papago basketry is a testament to the skill, creativity, and cultural resilience of the Akimel O’odham and Tohono O’odham peoples. Woven from the desert’s natural materials, these baskets embody a deep respect for the environment and a rich storytelling tradition. While the craft faces challenges in the modern era, its legacy as both functional art and cultural artifact endures, inviting appreciation for the intricate beauty and historical depth of these remarkable creations.

Papago (Tohono O’odham) Basket with Lid ca.1930s – 22” x 18”, $2,800

Pima (Akimel O’odham) Basket Bowl, ca.1900 – 6.5″ x 17.5″, $1200

LEFT: Pima (Akimel O’odham) Plaque – 1.25″ x 7.5″, $725
RIGHT: Pima (Akimel O’odham) FIgural Basket, ca.1920s – 5.5” x 9”, $750

Pima (Akimel O’odham) Basket ca.1900 – 4” x 16.5”, $900

Pima (Akimel O’odham) Basket Bowl ca.1910 – 3.25″ x 12.75″, $650

Pima (Akimel O’odham) Basket Squash Blossom Design, ca.1900 – 4″ x 12″, $550

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#1 Saint Francis Church Plaza
Ranchos de Taos, NM 87557

575.758.0504

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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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