Tray Item Number: D1.495 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Round tray composed of simple coiled work (bifurcated stitches), watch-spring base construction, and sides consisting of five slat rows. Decorated with partial imbrication in a continuous checkered diamond design alternating in red bark, grass, and black bark, and grass. Four smaller diamond shapes near center in black, grass and red bark. Triangular shaped figures (half diamonds) alternating in black bark, grass, and red bark and grass, around exterior sides.

Cultural Context

basketry; storage; plant technology

Iconographic Meaning

Diamonds are associated with good luck according to Nlaka'pamux Elder, Minnie Peters. Nlaka'pamux basket makers may only execute half the design, using triangles instead of complete diamonds, and identify these designs as "half-diamonds".