Baby Carrier Item Number: A6386 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Undecorated oiled cedar root cradle. Wood slat foundation with simple interlocking coiled work (bifuracted stitches). Parallel slat base, overcast rim, and double openings at the bottom end.

History Of Use

Basketry cradles are thought to be of relatively recent origin by some basketry experts, such as Andrea Laforet of the Canadian Museum of Civilization. They may first have appeared in the late 1800s or early 1900s. In the early to mid 20th Century basket makers began expanding their reportoire of shapes and styles for collectors, and many new forms were seen including tea cups, tables, suitcases, and hand bags to name a few.

Cultural Context

basketry; children

Narrative

Nlaka'pamux Elder Minnie Peters notes that this cradle has openings through which urine can pass through. In the past, cradles like this one, would have been lined with pounded cedar bark to protect the babies by keeping them clean and dry. Northwest Coast ethnographer Marian Wesley Smith noted in her fieldnotes (c.1950s) that small containers were placed under the cradles to catch drippings when traveling or visiting with friends.

Item History

What

Name
Baby Carrier
Identification Number
A6386
Type of Item
carrier
Material
cedar root and wood
Overall
height 12.0 cm, width 20.7 cm, depth 50.0 cm

Who

Culture
Coast Salish: Squamish
Previous Owner
Mrs. G. H. Ashwell and Mrs. W. M. Ivel
Received from
Mrs. W. M. Ivel (Donor)

Where

Holding Institution
MOA: University of British Columbia
Made in
British Columbia, Canada
Collected in
Fraser River, British Columbia, Canada

When

Creation Date
during 1900
Collection Date
during 1900
Ownership Date
before February 15, 1954
Acquisition Date
on February 15, 1954

Other

Item Classes
basketry
Condition
good
Current Location
Case 5
Accession Number
2001/0001