Basket Item Number: Nb11.332 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Rectangular, handbag-like carrying basket with twisted cedar handles attached to the upper rim opposite each other. Base is cedar bark checker work overlaid with grass; two wide cedar bark bands; grass faced wrapped twining band in the middle with designs in light red, orange, purple and green of canoe, whale, birds and geometric floral motifs.

History Of Use

Traditionally, baskets were used for a variety of domestic purposes, but starting in the mid-19th century, most basketry goods were made as sale items to provide a source of cash income.

Cultural Context

cash economy; craft market