Ganado Corn Series Baskets (2006)

Elsie Holiday’s bold composition of corn stalks is inspired by the rich reds and blacks of the Ganado style of Diné (Navajo) rugs. Naadą́ą́’ (corn) is one of the sacred plants in Diné culture and stories tell of its association with Asdzą́ą́ Nádleehé (Changing Woman) who taught the Diné the songs to make it grow.  Cornmeal and corn pollen are central to Diné sacred ceremonies. Taking inspiration from a design created by Diné graphic artist Damian Jim, Elsie dazzles the eye in these perfectly balanced baskets. Elsie has ingeniously altered the color combinations and used positive and negative space to create a basket series of visual and technical perfection. Can you see how each basket is unique?