The autobiographical information about Mr. Clark Field, which appears at
the end of this brochure, briefly tells the inspiring story of well over
four decades of dedication to—and sincere belief in—the American Indian
as a creative artist. The results of these many years of collecting
Indian baskets (and pottery) are on permanent display at Philbrook Art
Center, in the Clark Field Collection; in addition, many other specimens
are in storage and available to the scholar in the study collection.
This brochure is not intended as a catalogue of all of the baskets in
the Clark Field Collection, which includes more than a thousand
specimens. Rather, it serves as an introduction to Indian basketry and
tells the story of how baskets were made and used. About 90 of the more
important baskets are illustrated, including the most famous American
Indian basket, woven by Dotsolalee reproduced in color on the cover.
Mr. Field has combined his enthusiasm for the art of Indian basketry
with a high degree of scientific scholarship. He has kept careful
records, which will become increasingly valuable as old specimens become
even more rare and this Indian skill gradually dies out in this modern
world. His daughter, Dorothy Field Maxwell, has assisted Mr. and Mrs.
Field in their collection and with the preparation of this brochure.
Mrs. Jeanne Snodgrass, Curator of Indian Art at Philbrook, has also
assisted with the brochure in an editorial capacity.
Mr. Field has performed an invaluable service to humanity in his long
dedication to the preservation of this most important facet of the
original Americans, and Philbrook Art Center will be, for countless
generations, a mecca for those who wish to enjoy this fascinating
utilitarian, yet esthetically meaningful art form.
Donald G. Humphrey
Director
Philbrook Art Center
_Clark Field_