Storage Basket Item Number: A6953 a-b from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Round coiled cedar root basket (part a) with lid (part b). Cedar slat foundation with parallel slat base construction. Foot made of one slat or row. Two overcast handles. Imbrication in black and red cherry bark and bullrush on body of the basket (part a) with a design that consists of alternating red and black quadruple v-lines around the sides and cross like shapes around the rim. Beading in red and black cherry bark on the lid (part b).

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

Iconographic Meaning

Design on basket represents flying geese. This is a popular design among the Sto:lo according to Minnie Peters a Nlaka'pamux Elder and basket maker.

Item History

What

Name
Storage Basket
Identification Number
A6953 a-b
Type of Item
basket
Material
cedar root, wood, grass, dye and cherry bark
Manufacturing Technique
imbricated, coiled and dyed
Part A
height 25.0 cm, diameter 43.9 cm
Part B
height 2.9 cm, diameter 43.0 cm
Overall
height 26.7 cm, diameter 43.9 cm

Who

Culture
Coast Salish: Sto:lo
Previous Owner
Florence Fyfe-Smith
Received from
Florence Fyfe-Smith (Donor)

Where

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

When

Ownership Date
before 1951
Acquisition Date
during 1951

Other

Item Classes
basketry
Condition
good
Current Location
Case 29