Description

Nut-shaped, coiled cedar root basket with cedar root foundation and watch-spring base and lid construction. Hinged lid is attached with leather ties. Covered in beading, where in the decorative elements are laid flat on surface, rather than folded into cedar root stitches as is done with imbrication. Designs are in red and black dyed cherry bark.

Interior Salish: Nlaka’pamux

Object History

Nut-shaped baskets are identified as one of the oldest types by Haeberlin and Teit (1928: 202-3). They were used for storing berries and were also common work baskets for women, used to hold small tools – awls, thread, shells, trinkets and other odds and ends (202)