Basket Item Number: Nb7.311 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Cylindrical basket with a square base and a round mouth. Single strips of darker material run diagonally from each corner, intersecting twice on each side. Variation in weave creates a row of wider stitches at the base, 4 cm. and 6 cm. from the base. Rim edge is cut and folded.

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

Diagonal plaiting; overlay plaiting; mud dyed(?); row of diagonal 2/1 twill plaiting where base becomes sides and 4 cm. and 6 cm. from base; one half of weaving elements truncated and alternate elements bent at ninety degree angle and woven into fabric to finish mouth.

Cultural Context

domestic storage; cooking; transport; trade

Item History

What

Name
Basket
Identification Number
Nb7.311
Type of Item
basket
Material
dye and cedar bark
Manufacturing Technique
stripped, dyed, woven, split, separated, dried, shredded and soaked
Overall
height 9.2 cm, diameter 9.3 cm

Who

Culture
Tsimshian
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

Creation Date
before 1966
Collection Date
between 1887 and 1966
Ownership Date
before November 5, 1987
Acquisition Date
on November 5, 1987

Other

Item Classes
basketry
Condition
good
Accession Number
1253/0011