Basket Item Number: 2742/1 a-b from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Large, deep rectangular basket with handles (a) and lid (b). A cross with a diamond shape at the end of each arm is woven into each of the sides in black or red cherry bark. A long foot or platform protrudes out from the edge of the base. Diamond and linear designs in red and black cherry bark on top and sides of lid.

Narrative

Previously belonged to the donor's wife, who had inherited documents, photographs and Nlaka’pamux baskets from the family of her grandfather, Ewen MacLeod (1881-1931). The materials were said to have been given to the family of her grandfather at his funeral. MacLeod was born in Scotland and immigrated to Canada c. 1903. In 1915 he moved with his family to Lytton, BC to work as a Farm Instructor and Indian Constable; in c. 1920 he was promoted to Indian Agent for the Lytton area, a post he occupied until his death in a car accident in 1931. The photos, photo albums and textual records that were donated to the MOA Archives in 2009 were later transferred to the Lytton Museum and Archives due to their relevance to the Lytton area.

Item History

What

Name
Basket
Identification Number
2742/1 a-b
Type of Item
basket
Material
cedar root, cedar wood, cherry bark, cat-tail grass and dye
Overall
height 29.0 cm, width 49.0 cm, depth 35.0 cm
Part B
height 3.0 cm, width 41.5 cm, depth 29.0 cm

Who

Culture
Interior Salish: Nlaka'pamux
Previous Owner
Fred Witzel
Received from
Fred Witzel (Donor)

Where

Holding Institution
MOA: University of British Columbia
Made in
Lytton, British Columbia, Canada ?

When

Creation Date
during 1931
Collection Date
during 1931
Ownership Date
before May 29, 2009
Acquisition Date
on May 29, 2009

Other

Item Classes
basketry
Condition
fair
Accession Number
2742/0001 a-b