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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

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.