Basketry Lid Item Number: A8164 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Rectangular basket lid of simple coiled work (unsplit stitches) with parallel slat construction and reinforcement stitches on ends. Decorated with partial imbrication: diagonal stepped design on sides. White-cream decoration on tan-coloured material.

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

Narrative

This basket once belonged to Mrs. Bartleman, who lived on the West Saanich Reserve. It may have originated in that community, however the old museum ledger noted it as having a Squamish origin?

Item History

What

Name
Basketry Lid
Identification Number
A8164
Type of Item
lid
Material
cat-tail grass ? and cedar root
Manufacturing Technique
coiled and imbricated
Overall
height 2.5 cm, width 47.0 cm, depth 25.5 cm

Who

Culture
Coast Salish
Previous Owner
Mrs. Bartleman and Edith Bevan Cross
Received from
Edith Bevan Cross (Seller) and H. R. MacMillan (Funding source)

Where

Holding Institution
MOA: University of British Columbia
Made in
British Columbia, Canada
Collected in
West Saanich, British Columbia, Canada ?

When

Creation Date
before 1962
Collection Date
between 1950 and 1962
Ownership Date
before July 30, 1962
Acquisition Date
on July 30, 1962

Other

Item Classes
basketry
Condition
poor
Accession Number
0081/0113 b