From card: "Kla-ash".This may be the last basket described on p. 106 in Brown, James Temple. 1883. The whale fishery and its appliances. Washington: Govt. print. off.. It is the right type, the collection information and measurement given in the book matches 72663, and 72664 and 72665 are also described in that publication. The basket is described there as: "Basket. Basket used to hold spear-heads and other small articles when sealing - called by the Makahs, "Kla-ash." A very fine specimen. Double, made for a chief, and was procured as a special favor. Such baskets are never offered for sale. After having been used they acquire additional value, and to sell one is deemed unlucky. This being new, was more easily obtained. Length, 19 inches. Makah Indians, Cape Flattery, 1883. James G. Swan."

From card: "Same as "A" in form, and carved representation of a wolf-like animal about the same as "C" but covering more of the surface and not as well carved. Also only one pair of feet is shown while two are on "C". A long split across the lower half has been repaired with two cord stitches. Illus.: Hndbk. N. Amer. Ind., Vol. 7, Northwest Coast, Fig. 5d, pg. 460."

Incised and carved relief decoration, front and back, including floral and leaf motifs, compass-drawn motifs, cross-hatching.

Provenience note: collection apparently purchased or collected by McLean in Sitka and vicinity circa 1884.Has movable parts.