Elizabeth Hickox was born in Karuk Territory in Northern California in 1872, born to a Wiyot mother and a European-American father. Hickox was one of the basket-weavers of her time and is renowned for the technical and aesthetic refinement of her work. This “fine-art” basket, with its innovative form and distinctive contrasting design, displays Hickox’s artistry and skill as a weaver. Erin Rentz, a (Karuk/Karok) botanist explains: “The creation of a basket was a yearlong process not limited to weaving. Each material would be gathered at a specific time, then prepared and sorted for later incorporation into a basket. Elizabeth wove only with materials with which she could produce the finest product. She favored the dark contrast of the maidenhair or five-fingered fern (Adiantum aleuticum) with porcupine quills dyed bright yellow with wolf lichen (Letharia vulpina). From 1911 to 1934, Elizabeth wove about five baskets a year” (https://americanindian.si.edu/exhibitions/infinityofnations/california-greatbasin/221927.html). Elizabeth Hickox met Grace Nicholson, the noted basket collector and dealer based in Pasadena, CA, and shortly afterward Nicholson later secured the exclusive rights to purchase the artworks made by Elizabeth Hickox and her daugter, Louise. As a result of this relationship, the Hickoxes’ works are very well documented in Nicholson’s ledger, including this piece, #6752.