Storage Basket

Item number 1033/44 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

Public

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Data
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Description

Rectangular coiled cedar root basket with rounded corners and an inset opening. Imbricated design consists of interlocking rectangles in dark brown cherry bark.

History Of Use

Coiled basketry traditionally had many uses. It was used for storage of foods, medicines and personal belongings. Some baskets were used for cooking and boiling water, while others had more private uses. Haeberlin and Teit (1928) suggest that in the past not all women were basket makers, but that the skill became more widespread during the early and middle twentieth century when basketry was highly collectible and it became a source of income for many local First Nations women. Basket making declined after the 1950s, but it is still present in many Coast Salish communities and interest is growing.

Cultural Context

basketry; storage

Narrative

This basket is part of a larger collection, primarily consisting of Nuu-chah-nulth baskets from the Port Alberni area. This basket would seem to be one that the previous owner acquired from another collector based in the Vancouver area, which dates to c.1900. It has also been identified as being an Ohamil style basket.