Basket Item Number: Na707 a-b from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Circular birch bark basket with straight, vertical sides and a flat-topped lid. Sweet grass edging on top and bottom of body and outer edge of lid is stitched with black thread. Basket's sides are encircled with an overlapping pattern of white quillwork. Lid features a purple and white bird sitting on a branch in quillwork--red, green, white and purple quills are used.

History Of Use

Porcupine quills are used to decorate birch bark bowls, boxes and baskets. Ojibwa quill work usually exhibits isolated geometric and floral designs on the sides and covers. Sweet grass is often used as a trimming or finish around the rim.