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This information was automatically generated from data provided by MOA: University of British Columbia. It has been standardized to aid in finding and grouping information within the RRN. Accuracy and meaning should be verified from the Data Source tab.

Description

Openwork basket with a flat, rectangular bottom, straight walls, and an oval-shaped upper rim. Coiled basket with parallel slat base construction. Two rows of splint foundation with bifurcated stitches. Sides also have a splint foundation wrapped with cedar root. At half inch intervals (staggered) a coiled stitch is taken and the stitch is wrapped. The result is an openwork basket. Undecorated.

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.

Cultural Context

basketry; plant technology; storage

Narrative

The Sto:lo Nation has well-documented examples of Mrs. David's work and this basket is stylistically similar to other known works by her. The collector tag found on the basket suggested this was a Nisga'a basket, however, the collector, Dr. Raley, served at the Coqualeetza Indian Residential school, which is located near the Soowahlie reservation and he had several items in his collection from there.

Item History

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