Burden Basket Item Number: A8826 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Large flared rectangular coiled cedar root burden basket. Parallel splint base construction. Upper half fully imbricated in grass with designs of 'c' shapes in mirror image, in dark cherry bark double outline. Dark cherry bark double stitches at intervals around the rim. Few remains of imbricated design on lower portion in double zig-zag outline in grass, with top and bottom points flattened.
History Of Use
This type of basket was used for transporting items such as food and medicines, or when picking berries. According to Sto:lo basket maker Wendy Ritchie the triangular shape of this style of basket prevent the weight of the berries on the top from squishing the ones on the bottom.
Iconographic Meaning
The design on this basket is of Lillooet origin and represents a head with an open mouth. The lines protruding from the back represent hair.
Narrative
According to the accession ledger this basket is "over 100 years old. Made around 1860-1870, and belonged to the mother of an Indian lady" who gave it to the donor.
Cultural Context
basketry; plant technology
Item History
- Made in British Columbia, Canada between 1860 and 1870
- Collected in Pemberton, British Columbia, Canada during 1919
- Owned by Mrs. J. A. Quick before August 24, 1965
- Received from Mrs. J. A. Quick (Donor) on August 24, 1965
What
- Name
- Burden Basket
- Identification Number
- A8826
- Type of Item
- basket
- Material
- canary grass, cherry bark, cedar root and cedar wood
- Manufacturing Technique
- coiled and imbricated
- Overall
- height 29.7 cm, width 42.2 cm, depth 32.4 cm
Who
- Culture
- Coast Salish: Squamish
- Previous Owner
- Mrs. J. A. Quick
- Received from
- Mrs. J. A. Quick (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- British Columbia, Canada
- Collected in
- Pemberton, British Columbia, Canada
When
- Creation Date
- between 1860 and 1870
- Collection Date
- during 1919
- Ownership Date
- before August 24, 1965
- Acquisition Date
- on August 24, 1965
Other
- Item Classes
- basketry
- Condition
- fair
- Current Location
- Case 5
- Accession Number
- 2244/0003