author
Clark Field
1882–1971
Drawn from a lifetime of collecting, travel, and close study, these pages open a vivid window onto Native American basketry. The result is both a guide to the craft and a record of one collector’s deep admiration for the makers behind it.
1 Audiobook
About the author
Born in 1882 and later based in Tulsa, Clark Field became known for his serious study of Native American basketry and pottery. The University of New Mexico notes that he developed an active interest in Indian pottery and basketry in 1918, then carefully photographed, classified, and documented the pieces he collected.
That long commitment shaped The Art and the Romance of Indian Basketry, published in 1964 in connection with the Clark Field Collection at Philbrook Art Center. In the book, Field writes in an accessible, enthusiastic style, combining practical detail about materials, weaves, and tribal traditions with a collector’s eye for beauty and craftsmanship.
Field died in 1971, but his work continued to matter after his lifetime. His collection became an important museum and research resource, and it is still recognized for its breadth and for the detailed records he kept, which helped preserve information about basket makers and regional traditions.