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Description

Coiled tan cedar root basket (part a) with a lid (part b). The sides of the basket (part a) have partial imbrication of discrete and connected figures. Upper row is of diamonds with two lower rows of zigzags, all of which is done half in red and the other half in black and white checkers. Foot is beaded in red. Upper edge is beaded in red. Small black and white rhomboid figures around the rim. Interlocking coiled work bifurcated stitches. Parallel slat and base construction. The lid (part b) is decorated with partial beading that consist of five or more staggered columns of small clusters of six black stitches. The edge is beaded in red cherry bark. Lid has flange and fits into the top of the basket approx. 2" in from the outer edge. Slat foot.

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.

Iconographic Meaning

Baskets that are decorated with a lot of red, especially along the edges, like this one were often special gifts made for a daughter or granddaughter according to Sto:lo basket maker Rena Bolton. She notes that the red is symbolic of love. Nlaka'pamux Elder Minnie Peters recalls that the diamond designs signify good luck.

Narrative

According to Rena Bolton this basket is made in the Thompson style. The shape of this basket is the same as those reported on by Haeberlin and Teit for the Thompson Region for the earlier portion of the twentieth century. Lillooet baskets, which would be stylistically similar to those from the Squamish area, were of a more square shape. The sloping sides and rounded edges of this basket support Rena Bolton's suggestion that this basket may be Nlaka'pamux / Thompson in origin. However, Anna Billy of Squamish and Mount Currie feels that this basket is from Mount Currie. She suggests that it may have been made by Matilda Jim. It was also collected in nearby Squamish, which makes this identification possible.

Cultural Context

basketry; storage

Item History

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