Basket Item Number: Na1168 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Rectangular bottomed container with gently expanding walls to an oval rim. The wooden rim is lashed on with spruce root. Four pieces of green-blue cellulose cloth are also woven into the rim. Purple and pink pieces are beaded into the lashing. To make the walls of the container the bark has been folded and stitched along two sides with spruce root. The walls have horizontal scraped decorative patterns with triangles on four of the lines and two lines separating each band--the triangles have faded. On the bottom of the container are two bands of four lines diagonally crossed.
History Of Use
Basketry filled a vital need as containers for storage domestic use and transportation of goods. Some had multiple uses; others were made for specific functions. After European contact, used for trade and sale items. Forms have been altered to meet European tastes. Basketry making was and is a women's art.
Specific Techniques
Birch bark was cut to size, steamed, folded and sewn at corners. Wood rim is lashed with spruce root, outside scraped to decorate.
Cultural Context
domestic storage; cooking; transport
Item History
- Made in British Columbia, Canada
- Collected in Port Simpson, British Columbia, Canada and Lax Kw'alaams, British Columbia, Canada between 1887 and 1966
- Owned by Agnes Macintosh Brentzen
- Owned by Margaret E. Cornish and E. Percival before November 5, 1987
- Received from Margaret E. Cornish (Seller), Museum of Anthropology Shop Volunteers (Funding source) and E. Percival (Seller) on November 5, 1987
What
Who
- Culture
- Gitxsan ?
- Previous Owner
- Agnes Macintosh Brentzen, Margaret E. Cornish and E. Percival
- Received from
- Margaret E. Cornish (Seller), Museum of Anthropology Shop Volunteers (Funding source) and E. Percival (Seller)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- British Columbia, Canada
- Collected in
- Port Simpson, British Columbia, Canada and Lax Kw'alaams, British Columbia, Canada
When
- Collection Date
- between 1887 and 1966
- Ownership Date
- before November 5, 1987
- Acquisition Date
- on November 5, 1987
Other
- Item Classes
- basketry
- Condition
- good
- Current Location
- Case 19
- Accession Number
- 1253/0009