Hupa basketry hat with remnants of red wool and feathers
Hupa basketry hat with remnants of red wool and feathers
ex: Private Collection by descent
ex: Private Collection
circa late 19th century
SOLD
(mc2220)
The Hupa lived in Northwestern California and they traditionally wove twined baskets. Neighboring tribes wove similar hats that can be difficult to distinguish from Hupa baskets. Once the reservation system was established, there was one location used to sell objects and that was on the Hupa Reservation. Thus, these hats are frequently labelled as "Hupa".
This hat is a classic example of a fancy hat woven by the Hupa. Being twined out of natural fibers, these baskets had a tendency to split over the years but this hat is in excellent condition.
Moreover, this Hupa hat has the additional charm of remnants of red wool that was woven into the hat near the edge. This is a rare occurence and makes this hat especially desirable.