Basketry Tray Item Number: A1893 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Oval-shaped tray with handles at either end. Simple coiled work with bifurcated stitches and elongated watch-spring base construction. Two strand loop work border, coiled work handles and partial imbrication. Black question mark-shaped figures radiating from centre. Shapes staggered for three rows on outside. Colour: brown.

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

According to the collector's catalogue this tray features a hook and spear design with flies on the side.

Item History

What

Name
Basketry Tray
Identification Number
A1893
Type of Item
tray
Material
cat-tail grass ?, cherry bark and cedar root
Manufacturing Technique
coiled and imbricated
Overall
height 9.0 cm, width 45.0 cm, depth 34.5 cm

Who

Culture
Coast Salish: Sto:lo
Previous Owner
George Henry Raley
Received from
H. R. MacMillan (Funding source) and George Henry Raley (Seller)

Where

Holding Institution
MOA: University of British Columbia
Made in
British Columbia, Canada
Collected in
Yale, British Columbia, Canada

When

Creation Date
before 1934
Collection Date
between 1893 and 1934
Ownership Date
before November 1948
Acquisition Date
during November 1948

Other

Item Classes
basketry
Condition
fair
Current Location
Case 5
Accession Number
1960/0238