Basket Item Number: Nbz825 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Rectangular shaped coiled cedar root basket with parallel slat foundation. Handles tied on with rawhide. Flat braiding on the rim. Beading on the surface in cat-tail, and black and red cherry bark. Decorated with star designs: two on the front and the back, and one on each end.
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.
Iconographic Meaning
The star design is said to be a common pattern among Chehalis and Sto:lo basketmakers.
Specific Techniques
The black cherry bark used in the designs was made by dyeing red cherry bark with black berries. The pale coloured cedar root was made by bleaching the material in the sun.
Item History
- Made by Alice Williams (Maker) in Chehalis, British Columbia, Canada before 1987
- Owned by Debbie Stogan before January 12, 1990
- Received from Museum of Anthropology Shop Volunteers (Funding source) and Debbie Stogan (Seller) on January 12, 1990
What
- Name
- Basket
- Identification Number
- Nbz825
- Type of Item
- basket
- Material
- cedar root, skin, grass, wood, dye and cherry bark
- Manufacturing Technique
- coiled, dyed and imbricated
- Overall
- height 16.8 cm, width 50.0 cm, depth 35.1 cm
Who
- Culture
- Coast Salish: Chehalis
- Creator
- Alice Williams (Maker)
- Previous Owner
- Debbie Stogan
- Received from
- Museum of Anthropology Shop Volunteers (Funding source) and Debbie Stogan (Seller)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Chehalis, British Columbia, Canada
When
- Creation Date
- before 1987
- Ownership Date
- before January 12, 1990
- Acquisition Date
- on January 12, 1990
Other
- Item Classes
- basketry
- Condition
- good
- Accession Number
- 1399/0001