12.5" Navajo Coiled Basket Tray Red & Black Core Ring Design

A handwoven Navajo basket tray with a wide, shallow form and concentric banding in natural fiber, black, and red. The pattern builds in soft, irregular rings, with slight breaks and shifts that keep it from feeling overly structured.

These subtle interruptions in the bands reflect a looser interpretation of the “spirit pathway” concept sometimes seen in Navajo design, where movement through the pattern is left open rather than closed. Here it appears in a more relaxed, 20th-century form rather than a formal ceremonial layout.

The use of red dye alongside black and natural fibers points to later production, likely mid- to late-20th century, when brighter colors became more common in baskets made for sale. The shallow tray form and open weave support that as well.

Condition:
In good condition overall, with light wear consistent with age. No damage noted. Minor irregularities in the fibers and weave are typical of handwoven construction and do not detract from its appearance.

Dimensions:
2 1/4" H x 12 1/2" Diameter
Soup can shown for scale in photo