Hat Item Number: Nb11.276 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Dome-shaped basketry hat with small checker work plaited square at top, where warps are visible. This area is outlined with twining and then the warps are split into smaller pieces and double strand twining resumes, but as much finer work. There is a row of triple strand twining, after several rows, and then the warps are split again and two strand twining continues. The bottom rim is finished with a row of triple strand twining followed by four rows of double strand twining, and then another row of triple strand twining. There is a fitted hatband inside hat with a cotton string sewn through it.
History Of Use
Woven hats were used as rain hats, and decorated ones were also symbols of rank and prestige. During the historic period hats were also trade items and made for sale to collectors.
Cultural Context
rain hat
Specific Techniques
Two strand and three strand twining were used for this hat. In two strand twining one weft strand passes over the warp while the other passes under, so that the wefts are always in opposition to each other. Three strand twining is similar execept that the weaver begins with three weft strands that are seperated from each other by a warp. The weft that is furthest to the left is passed over two warps and then under one. The pattern continues with the next weft strand.
Item History
- Made in Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada before 1916
- Collected between 1905 and 1916
- Owned by Margaret Gill
- Owned by Helen Gill before April 20, 1978
- Received from Helen Gill (Donor) on April 20, 1978
What
- Name
- Hat
- Identification Number
- Nb11.276
- Type of Item
- hat
- Material
- cedar bark and cotton fibre
- Manufacturing Technique
- twined, split, plaited and sewn
- Overall
- height 17.3 cm, diameter 37.6 cm
Who
- Culture
- Nuu-chah-nulth
- Previous Owner
- Margaret Gill and Helen Gill
- Received from
- Helen Gill (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada
When
- Creation Date
- before 1916
- Collection Date
- between 1905 and 1916
- Ownership Date
- before April 20, 1978
- Acquisition Date
- on April 20, 1978
Other
- Item Classes
- basketry
- Condition
- fair
- Accession Number
- 0452/0023