Basket Item Number: Ia20 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Black, open work rattan basket. Deep with a bulging round shape; circular base attached with strips of rattan. The rim consists of two pieces of rattan. The handle is a single strip of rattan with its edges split; looped around rim and then lashed together.

History Of Use

Basket making remains a living craft among all the northern Luzon peoples. Baskets are used for household storage and for transporting produce from the fields to the habitation sites. Occasionally baskets were made for ceremonial use. Decoration was created with simple interlaced braids and a combination of weaves which also served to provide strength. Ifugao basketry shapes are believed to have been inspired by Chinese jars and pots traded into Luzon before the 16th century.

Cultural Context

Wooden spoons container.