Hummingbird Basket (1998)

Basket artist Chris Johnson weaves the imagery of a dahiitį́hí (hummingbird) breaking through a geometric maze. His basket is based on a design created by Diné (Navajo) graphic artist Damian Jim and Twin Rocks Trading Post co-owner Steve Simpson. The subject of many Diné stories, the hummingbird is a symbol of beauty and is also considered a healer. Chris portrays the hummingbird, touched with bright yellow, against starkly contrasting black and white as it appears to break the bonds of the maze and fly free. The black geometric design is reminiscent of ancient pottery of the Four Corners area. Notice this basket’s unusual alternating black and white rim.