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Charles Stewart Smith Memorial Fund

Description

This is probably a Wasco basket. The center section design of this cylindrical basket has 2 brown zigzag bands (unusual pattern that possibly signifies a storm) that form rectangles or a step design on the inside spaces. These stepped designs may be viewed as positive growth or migration in stages either by people and/or sturgeon or they may be viewed as negative designs of abstract stars. Inside the spaces formed outside of the zigzags are interlocking, square shaped U's. These U forms are sturgeon gill design. The object is a cylindrical basket. Its self-edged rim, which is reinforced with stiff wire, has a band of light and medium beige materials between two thin dark brown bands. The dark brown hue on the rim and throughout the basketry design is probably applied dye made from berry juice. The body of the basket has two strong zigzag patterns outlined in dark brown. Inside these outlines are narrow tan borders; inside the tan borders are filled-in dark brown triangles producing a continuous chain of tan diamond shapes through the middle. Under the rim of the basket, between the bold zigzags, are delicate three-sided shapes made from a single flagged vertical line surrounded by linear flagged U-forms. Towards the bottom of the basket, between the bold zigzags, are additional delicate shapes, this time four-sided forms, made from flagged U-forms, around a horizontal centered "I". Encircling the base of the basket are plain parallel borders. The overall condition of the basket is fragile with walls slightly collapsed and very buckled. The interior has edges of fibers used to create false embroidery. All of these projecting edges are fragile; some have become detached.