Basket Item Number: A2349 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Tan basket with simple coiled work (bifurcated stitches), parallel slat base construction, and zigzag loop work border on the upper rim. Overcast handle, which is fully beaded. Two horizontal rows of chevron designs alternating in red cherry bark/canary grass/black chery bark/canary grass. The two rows are staggered.
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; storage; plant technology
Item History
- Made in Fraser River, British Columbia, Canada
- Owned by Mrs. G. H. Ashwell
- Owned by Mrs. W. M. Ivel before February 15, 1954
- Received from Mrs. W. M. Ivel (Donor) on February 15, 1954
What
- Name
- Basket
- Identification Number
- A2349
- Type of Item
- basket
- Material
- canary grass, dye, cherry bark and cedar root
- Manufacturing Technique
- coiled and imbricated
- Overall
- height 8.9 cm, width 27.9 cm, depth 17.8 cm
Who
- Culture
- Coast Salish: Sto:lo
- Previous Owner
- Mrs. G. H. Ashwell and Mrs. W. M. Ivel
- Received from
- Mrs. W. M. Ivel (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Fraser River, British Columbia, Canada
When
- Ownership Date
- before February 15, 1954
- Acquisition Date
- on February 15, 1954
Other
- Item Classes
- basketry
- Condition
- fair
- Accession Number
- 2001/0013