Shell Basketry

Item number Nb11.243 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

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Description

Abalone shell covered on the exterior with wrap-twine basketry, conforming closely to its contours and brought over shell edges to secure. Pattern: dark blue rectangular ovoid at centre, with concentric bordering stripes of yellow/red, red, yellow/red and dark blue. Rest of field natural light brown, upon which five dark green flying bird shapes are arranged around centre area. Where basketry turns over shell edge, there are concentric stripes of red, dark green, yellow/red and light green. Colours fade on thick side of shell. Basketry slightly damaged in several small areas. Shell interior has four natural perforations.

History Of Use

Non-traditional basketry shape, made for the tourist trade. A distinctive aspect of Nuu-chah-nulth tourist baskets are those made by applying wrapped twine to bottles, shells and other containers. The basket takes on the shape of the underlying object.