Baby Carrier Item Number: Nb631 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Large, upright cradle made of willow and/or hazel(?), peeled. Young shoots woven in plain, open twine with large rim wrapped over many rods. Top part is open. Lower part where baby sits has twigs woven across the basket's rim to the bottom which creates a seat and a slipper-like structure.

History Of Use

Normally would be made by a maternal grandmother as a gift to the baby. Sitting position cradle; seats were covered with moss, backs were lined with herbs, and objects would be attached to the side of the carrier to “guide the baby on their journey” (e.g., a doll could be attached, to help them be a good parent); life lines (strands of dentalium shells or beads) would also be attached. Propped upright during the day, then hung or laid flat at night. The baby was wrapped in buckskin with arms laced against body inside cradle. Legs and feet allowed to dangle free over the cradle's rim. When travelling, the mother carried the cradle on her back, supported by a tumpline around her forehead. A child was carried in a cradle for the first few years, or until they learned to walk.

Item History

What

Name
Baby Carrier
Identification Number
Nb631
Type of Item
carrier
Material
willow wood ?
Manufacturing Technique
twined and wrapped
Overall
height 73.0 cm, width 35.0 cm, depth 16.5 cm

Who

Culture
Yurok
Previous Owner
Viki Tamaradze
Received from
Viki Tamaradze (Seller) and Museum of Anthropology Donations Fund (Funding source)

Where

Holding Institution
MOA: University of British Columbia
Made in
California, USA

When

Creation Date
before 1976
Collection Date
during 1976
Ownership Date
before March 24, 1976
Acquisition Date
on March 24, 1976

Other

Item Classes
basketry
Condition
good
Accession Number
0310/0001