Storage Basket

Item number Nbz704 from the MOA: University of British Columbia.

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Description

Rectangular coiled cedar root basket with a lid and two handles. Parallel slat base and wall and lid construction with overcast rims on both the basket and the lid. Overcast handles extend across the basket and are attached to sides with leather ties. Large imbricated designs in black and red cherry bark with canary grass in between are on both the basket and the lid. Designs are diamonds or zigzag motifs. Leather hinges attach the lid to the basket along one side, while thongs are present on the lid and adjacent area of thebasket on the opposite side.

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.