Beatrice “Melaaq” Herman — Five Miniature Coiled Grass Lidded Baskets

Five finely worked miniature lidded grass baskets by Yup’ik artist Beatrice “Melaaq” Herman (B. 1947) of Hooper Bay, Alaska. Closely spaced coils form rounded bodies and small fitted lids, with blue, purple and red stepped designs, dark pictorial motifs and orange-and-black butterfly-like figures adding lively detail to the pale natural grass.

All five undersides bear the sewn name “Melaaq,” and three also bear “06.” A printed label identifies Beatrice Herman of Hooper Bay and gives Melaaq as her Yup’ik name; an accompanying Silver Hand tag is included.

Herman began learning grass preparation and sewing from her mother, Agnes Lake, at age nine. She later concentrated on fine basket stitching, working with beach rye grass gathered around Hooper Bay and using both natural and commercial dyes. In these diminutive examples, that patient preparation and close stitching can be appreciated on an especially intimate scale.

Light wear consistent with age; see photographs.

The largest measures approximately 2 inches in diameter × 2.5 inches high, including the lid.

Auction Estimate: $350–$550.