Work Basket Item Number: A1993 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Large rectangular coiled basket (bifurcated stitches). Elongated watch-spring base construction. Remains of design indicate horizontal lines of beading, in cat-tail grass (?), with intervals of imbrication alternating between red and dark cherry bark. One row of beading in cherry bark on base.
History Of Use
This burden basket or work basket can be differentiated from a berry basket by its shape - specifically the angle of its sides. Sto:lo basket makers note that baskets used for berry picking have sharply angled sides to distribute the weight of the berries on top and prevent crushing of those on the bottom. By contrast, work baskets have less sharply defined sides and a more rounded appearance.
Iconographic Meaning
According to the collector's catalogue, this basket features a necklace design.
Cultural Context
basketry; utilitarian
Item History
- Made in British Columbia, Canada before 1934
- Collected in Yale, British Columbia, Canada between 1893 and 1934
- Owned by George Henry Raley before November 1948
- Received from H. R. MacMillan (Funding source) and George Henry Raley (Seller) during November 1948
What
- Name
- Work Basket
- Identification Number
- A1993
- Type of Item
- basket
- Material
- cat-tail grass ?, cherry bark and cedar root
- Manufacturing Technique
- imbricated and coiled
- Overall
- height 18.5 cm, width 31.0 cm, depth 25.3 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 29
- Accession Number
- 1960/0273