Sally J. Black (Diné/Navajo, b. 1959)
Pictorial Jug Baskets (Made to Order) — hand‑coiled jar‑form baskets; hand‑split, hand‑dyed three‑leaf sumac (Rhus trilobata); each unique
Provenance
Commissioned directly from the artist for the collector; each vessel is one‑of‑one and is issued with a signed Certificate of Authenticity and full documentation. An inventory reference (e.g., SJB–JUG–COM–[YY]–[##]) is assigned at contract.
Catalogue Note
Sally J. Black’s jug baskets translate the planar logic of the Navajo wedding‑basket into fully sculptural form, with shoulder, belly, and neck articulated through an unbroken spiral. The move from plaque to vessel requires exact control of tension, expansion, and taper so that pattern and proportion remain true as the surface curves. Across these commissions, Black composes pictorial and symbolic bands—from Yéʼii figures and flocks to corn and stepped geometrics—that read clearly at distance and resolve under close viewing into impeccably registered stitches. Because each jar is woven to a collector’s desired scale and motif family, no two are alike; together they represent a scarce and highly labor‑intensive category within her oeuvre and a benchmark of contemporary Navajo basketry.
Technique & Materials
All work is executed by hand from three‑leaf sumac gathered and prepared by the artist: shoots are split, trimmed, smoothed, and dyed to exact hue and value. The body is built in a continuous coil with disciplined rim finishing; imagery is plotted in advance to preserve symmetry across compound curves. The result is a vessel that balances structural clarity with narrative presence.
Commission Parameters (bespoke options)
Scale: Height and maximum diameter specified by the collector.
Imagery: Choice of geometric or pictorial bands (e.g., Yéʼii figures, animal/herder scenes, corn/plant motifs), finalized in consultation with the artist to ensure cultural appropriateness and design integrity.
Palette: Traditional neutrals with optional accent colors (natural and commercial dyes).
Documentation: Unique inventory ID, COA, and condition report included.
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; pieces of this scale typically require 150–200 hours of master‑level work
Edition: Unique (one‑of‑one)
Display, Shipping & Compliance
Display: Recommend a custom cradle or museum pin‑mount within a vitrine; UV‑mitigated lighting and stable RH.
Shipping: Professionally crated with wall‑to‑wall insurance; full condition reporting provided.
Compliance: All representation and labeling comply with the Indian Arts and Crafts Act.
Cultural Note: Any sacred references are presented respectfully and for art‑historical context only; this text is not intended as ceremonial instruction.