Basket Item Number: A6653 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Coiled cedar root basket with rectangular base and one handle (one handle missing); parallel slat base construction, overcast splint rim and handle, slat foot. Decorated with beading and imbrication. Red cherry bark beading on rim and foot. Partial imbrication: large vertical panels with red cherry bark borders and designs on a canary grass background. Designs are double diamonds.

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; utilitarian

Item History

What

Name
Basket
Identification Number
A6653
Type of Item
basket
Material
cedar root, cherry bark, wood and canary grass
Manufacturing Technique
imbricated and coiled
Overall
height 21.6 cm, width 21.6 cm, depth 36.8 cm

Who

Culture
Coast Salish: Squamish ?
Previous Owner
Florence Fyfe-Smith
Received from
Florence Fyfe-Smith (Donor)

Where

Holding Institution
MOA: University of British Columbia
Made in
British Columbia, Canada
Collected in
North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

When

Creation Date
during 1904
Ownership Date
before August 1951
Acquisition Date
during August 1951

Other

Item Classes
basketry
Condition
fair
Current Location
Case 4