Storage Basket Item Number: A8990 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Coiled tan storage basket (part a) and lid (part b) with simple interlocking coiled work. Sides have bifurcated stitches. Parallel slat base construction with reinforced stitches along sides, an overcast rim, and a foot of three coiled rows. Partial imbrication of isolated figures and vertical bands. The sides have one vertical band in white/black/white with black and red triangles along the sides. At either side of this central vertical band, there are two stars in black around a white rectangle with circumscribed concentric diamonds on the interior. The ends have imbricated triangles. Vertical band and bird designs. Foot is beaded in a white grass. The lid (part b) has a design that continues from the basket in the same manner and has a double-corded handle with a branch wrapped around the middle.
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
This basket features a star pattern and an eagle or thunderbird design according to Sto:lo basket maker Frieda George.
Cultural Context
basketry; plant technology; storage
Item History
- Made in British Columbia, Canada before 1948
- Collected in Fraser River, British Columbia, Canada
- Owned by John M. Buchanan before May 1948
- Received from John M. Buchanan (Donor) during May 1948
What
- Name
- Storage Basket
- Identification Number
- A8990
- Type of Item
- basket
- Material
- cedar root, dye, cherry bark and cat-tail grass ?
- Overall
- height 23.0 cm, width 39.0 cm, depth 29.0 cm
Who
- Culture
- Coast Salish: Sto:lo
- Previous Owner
- John M. Buchanan
- Received from
- John M. Buchanan (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- British Columbia, Canada
- Collected in
- Fraser River, British Columbia, Canada
When
- Creation Date
- before 1948
- Ownership Date
- before May 1948
- Acquisition Date
- during May 1948
Other
- Item Classes
- basketry
- Condition
- good
- Current Location
- Case 29
- Accession Number
- 1870/0168