Storage Basket Item Number: A5088 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Rectangular basket of simple coiled work (bifurcated stitches) with parallel slat base and lid construction. Partially imbricated and beaded. Two wires reinforce overcast rim, and leather strap hinges are sewn on. Copper handles are screwed into the sides. Alternating rows of imbrication and beading are arranged in a band of alternating cherry bark and cat-tail squares and a beaded section in cat-tail. Lid has similar design. The red bands are crabapple. Colours: black, tan.
History Of Use
Catalogue says "old hamper for storing furs." 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
Item History
- Made in British Columbia, Canada before 1911
- Collected in Harrison Lake, British Columbia, Canada between 1885 and 1911
- Owned by Anna J. Beecher
- Owned by Frederick L. Beecher before 1952
- Received from Frederick L. Beecher (Donor) during 1952
What
- Name
- Storage Basket
- Identification Number
- A5088
- Type of Item
- basket
- Material
- cedar root, crabapple bark, cherry bark, cat-tail grass ?, dye, metal and leather skin
- Manufacturing Technique
- coiled and imbricated
- Overall
- height 35.0 cm, width 58.0 cm, depth 38.0 cm
Who
- Culture
- Coast Salish: Sto:lo
- Previous Owner
- Anna J. Beecher and Frederick L. Beecher
- Received from
- Frederick L. Beecher (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- British Columbia, Canada
- Collected in
- Harrison Lake, British Columbia, Canada
When
- Creation Date
- before 1911
- Collection Date
- between 1885 and 1911
- Ownership Date
- before 1952
- Acquisition Date
- during 1952
Other
- Item Classes
- basketry
- Condition
- fair
- Current Location
- Case 29
- Accession Number
- 2004/0045