AGENCY: Department of Cultural and Community Engagement. Division of Arts and Museums. Folk Arts Program
SERIES: 31067
TITLE: Navajo Basket project files
DATES: 1991-2007.
ARRANGEMENT: Generally by format, thereunder usually by assigned project number.
DESCRIPTION: This fieldwork project identified a strong contemporary tradition in Navajo or Dine basket weaving that has been perpetuated in the Utah section of the Navajo Reservation. Documentation features artists related to Navajo basket weaver Mary Holiday Black, an artist who figures centrally in the tradition as well as artists from the Rock and Bitsinnie families. Research uncovered the role of trading post owners in influencing elements of basket design and in influencing production for the tourist market. Much of this documentation is of the Simpson family collection (traders in San Juan County) and includes Navajo, Ute, and Paiute baskets, and baskets of other tribal groups. As part of this project the Folk Arts Program mounted an exhibition of Navajo Basketry at the Chase Home Museum of Utah Folk Arts in 1994, entitled "Willow Stories: Contemporary Navajo Baskets from the Simpson Collection." A number of baskets were purchased for the State Folk Arts Collection and curated into a traveling exhibit for the Utah Arts Council Visual Arts Program entitled "Willow Stories." A grant from the National Endowment for the Arts resulted in the publication of "Willow Stories: Utah Navajo Baskets" compiled and edited by Carol Edison. ng exhibit for the Utah Arts Council Visual Arts Program entitled "Willow Stories." A grant from the National Endowment for the Arts resulted in the publication of "Willow Stories: Utah Navajo Baskets" compiled and edited by Carol Edison.
RETENTION
Retain permanently
DISPOSITION
Transfer to Archives.
RETENTION AND DISPOSITION AUTHORIZATION
These records are in Archives' permanent custody.
FORMAT MANAGEMENT
Paper: Retain in State Archives permanently with authority to weed.
Slides: Retain in State Archives permanently with authority to weed.
Photo negatives: Retain in State Archives permanently with authority to weed.
Photographs: Retain in State Archives permanently with authority to weed.
Compact disc: Retain in State Archives permanently with authority to weed.
Audio cassettes: Retain in State Archives permanently with authority to weed.
APPRAISAL
Historical
These records are being appraised as permanent and historic because they record important cultural heritage history in Utah, and may be the only source of information for some cultural communities and history in the state.
PRIMARY DESIGNATION
Public