Basket

Item number A6654 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

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Description

Rectangular coiled cedar root basket with slat foundation and overcast rim. Top of the basket is wider than the base. Partial imbrication with some beading. Foot composed of one slat. Beading on the foot and the rim in red cherry bark. Vertical imbricated designs in red cherry bark and white imbrication with a red square pattern that have alternating white diagonal lines within. Two designs on each of the long sides 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.