Basketry Item Number: Nb11.221 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Spherical glass float with a woven basketry covering; openwork and four multicoloured geometric designs. Cover's flaring, open rim provides base.
History Of Use
Before European contact Nuu-chah-nulth baskets were predominately undecorated, all-purpose containers. Checkerwork bags and pouches were used for whaling and fishing gear. Finely woven baskets held liquids and were used to boil food by adding heated stones. By the mid-19th century, when missions and trading posts were well established on the Northwest Coast, the manufacture of functional basketry declined and the Nuu-chah-nulth began to make small decorated 'fancy' baskets for sale. These baskets are characterized by realistic and less frequently, geometric designs. Up to the 1890's Nuu-chah-nulth basketry is open wrapped twined, checkerwork and plain twilled. After this date most are close wrapped twined.
Grass patches were owned. Grass was harvested after July.
Cultural Context
art market
Narrative
Purchased at Port Alice, 1930.
Item History
- Made in Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada before 1930
- Collected during 1930
- Owned by Lorraine Bolton before August 31, 1976
- Received from Lorraine Bolton (Donor) on August 31, 1976
What
Who
- Culture
- Nuu-chah-nulth
- Previous Owner
- Lorraine Bolton
- Received from
- Lorraine Bolton (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada
When
- Creation Date
- before 1930
- Collection Date
- during 1930
- Ownership Date
- before August 31, 1976
- Acquisition Date
- on August 31, 1976
Other
- Item Classes
- basketry
- Condition
- good
- Current Location
- Case 9
- Accession Number
- 0326/0001