Basket Item Number: Nb7.315 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Small plaited basket with a square base and slightly flared cylindrical walls and circular mouth. Sides are decorated with ten horizontal bands consisting of two rows each of black-brown overlaid weft. The rim with reinforcing bundle is wrapped with cedar bark.
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.
This basket is constructed by simple plaiting. The walls are decorated with an overlay method, with dyed cedar over weft threads. The rim is constructed by placing the ends at top against a reinforcing bundle and secured with wrapping. Rim separated from base by a single row of 2 ply plain twining, s-twist.
domestic storage; cooking; transport