TURQUOISE TORTOISE GALLERY CELEBRATES 41 YEARS

 

1st Friday Gallery Tour
Rainforest Basketsy

June 7, 2013, Opening Reception Friday 5-8 pm.

These spectacular museum-quality works are by the Wounaan Indians, world-class weavers from Panama’s Darién Rainforest.

This new exhibition showcases brand new baskets just in! A rare opportunity to see this many Rainforest Baskets in one place – in a range of sizes and patterns.

The Wounaan are one of the few indigenous cultures in the world today creating contemporary woven art. These masterful baskets take a minimum of several months to complete and, depending on the intricacy of design and a basket’s size can take up to three years to create. Many experts consider these baskets to rival the finest in the world.

Made by the women of the Wounaan Indian tribe, this is an art form that was, and still is, passed from mothers to daughters, though with the growing renown for these baskets some men of the tribe are honing their skills in the intricate techniques. Originally, in time gone by, these baskets were made quite plainly, were sparsely decorated and utilitarian. Today, patterns can range from geometrics to colorful florals to rainforest fauna; the baskets are highly prized by museums and private collectors worldwide.

Known collectively as “Rainforest Baskets” these fine works are constructed of “chunga,” the silk-fine strands of black palm fiber. These are boiled in organic dyes then meticulously hand-sewn (not, strictly speaking, woven) around a form of naguala palm. Chunga, and all of its various parts, is so closely linked to Wounaan tradition and daily life that each basket begins its creation with an inherent spiritual quality.

This is a rare opportunity to see in person a wide array of these singular works. A broad selection of baskets will be part of the exhibition and the gallery staff is happy to answer questions about both the lifestyles and techniques of the Wounaan people. The exhibition extends through June 16. Be sure to visit Facebook and find /TurquoiseTortoiseGallerySedona for plenty of interesting gallery info and lots of photos!

Additional baskets not shown. Contact gallery for photos and information.

 

 
   Vessel Shaped Floral     

Click on the images for a larger view
Masterful Macaws		Colorful Floral
Earth Toned Caracol Spiral		Brown Black Caracol
Black Paw Print		Floral by Anita
Black and White Key		Black & White by Lorena
On the first Friday of each month, from 5 - 8 p.m., members of the Sedona Gallery Association offer a unique monthly showcase highlighting artists, special exhibits, and art events. These special art receptions give locals and Sedona visitors alike the opportunity to enjoy light refreshments while beginning their weekends with an exploration of Sedona's exciting art scene. Turquoise Tortoise Gallery is proud to present "Rainforest Baskets" as its featured artist for SGA First Friday in the Galleries event on June 7, 2013    with a reception from 5 to 8 p.m. You are invited!

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