Basket Item Number: Nb7.331 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Small circular basket with a square bottom. Base in a checker weave pattern divided into two panels by white-brown stitching. Walls are decorated with six bands; from the top: five rows of white-brown, three rows of dark brown, three rows of orange, four rows white-brown, two rows of red, one row of orange, and last band is dark brown.

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

Base of plaiting secured around edges and across centre with rows of white-brown stitches in 2 ply plain twining s-twist. Body of basket is white-brown s-twist 2 ply twining.

Cultural Context

domestic storage; cooking; transport