Sally J. Black (Diné/Navajo, b. 1959)
Eagle — hand‑coiled basket; hand‑split, hand‑dyed three‑leaf sumac (Rhus trilobata); unique
Provenance
Acquired directly from the artist; offered with a signed Certificate of Authenticity and full documentation. (Inventory ref.: SJB–EAG–[YY]–[##])
Catalogue Note
Eagle is a commanding statement within Sally J. Black’s mature pictorial practice, joining the structural logic of the Navajo wedding‑basket to a highly disciplined avian motif. A radiant sunburst anchors the center; from it, feathered forms unfold in measured rings, creating the sensation of an eagle poised in flight. Black uses the spiral of the coil as choreography—each circuit calibrates contrast, edge, and interval so that figure and ground read crisply at distance yet reward close viewing with precise stitch work. The composition conveys guardianship and clarity without literal illustration, bringing ceremonial order and contemporary design into a single, resonant field.
Technique & Materials
Prepared entirely by hand, the basket is coiled from three‑leaf sumac that the artist gathers, splits, trims, smooths, and dyes for exact value and hue. Stitching is remarkably even, with tight registration across high‑contrast passages and an impeccably finished rim—hallmarks of Black’s workmanship. The sustained symmetry and feather geometry demonstrate advanced control over multi‑axis pictorial weaving, particularly difficult to maintain over a large diameter.
Significance & Context
A leading figure in the contemporary Navajo basketry movement, Black helped expand the tradition of coiled basketry into pictorial “story baskets.” Avian subjects—especially the eagle, revered within Diné lifeways—allow her to express themes of vision, balance, and protection while maintaining cultural respect. Works like Eagle exemplify the synthesis that has made her baskets sought after by serious collectors and curators: ceremonial structure, formal refinement, and technical mastery.
Institutional Dialogue
Sally J. Black’s work is represented in major public collections, including the Natural History Museum of Utah, the Nelson‑Atkins Museum of Art, and the Heard Museum. Collectors value pieces such as Eagle for their compositional rigor, exacting craft, and central place in the ongoing evolution of Navajo pictorial basketry.
Details — Example Commission
Artist: Sally J. Black (Diné/Navajo)
Materials: Three‑leaf sumac; natural and commercial dyes
Dimensions: Varies by commission
Weaving Time: Varies by size and complexity — a 24‑inch piece ~150 hours of master‑level work
Edition: Unique (one‑of‑one) per commission
Documentation & Compliance
Includes COA with unique inventory ID, materials, and date of completion. All representation complies with the Indian Arts and Crafts Act. A conservation‑grade condition report and museum‑grade mounting recommendations are available upon request.
Cultural Note: Cultural references are presented respectfully for art‑historical context and are not intended as ceremonial instruction.