Basket Item Number: Nb7.314 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Tall, rectangular based basket with gently flaring and sagging walls. Walls are decorated with an overlay of black bark consisting of four sections of checker work and four sections of "l" shaped diagonal pattern. Rim is reinforced with a bundle and wrapped. Below the rim, there is a band of unwoven twisted warps 1 cm. high. At the base, there is a single row of black stitching that separates the base from the walls.
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.
Cultural Context
domestic storage; cooking; transport
Specific Techniques
The bottom and walls of basket are constructed with a simple plaiting technique which incorporates decorative elements through overlay. The rim made by bending back warp ends and securing against reinforcing bundle with wrapping cedar or maple bark dyed black by immersing plant fibers in mud for several days; iron oxide being the agent in this process.
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
- Name
- Basket
- Identification Number
- Nb7.314
- Type of Item
- basket
- Material
- cedar bark and yellow cedar bark ?
- Manufacturing Technique
- separated, dyed, split, woven and dried
- Overall
- height 33.0 cm, width 34.0 cm, depth 23.0 cm
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
- fair
- Current Location
- Case 19
- Accession Number
- 1253/0014