Storage Basket Item Number: Nbz777 a-b from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Rectangular coiled cedar root basket (part a) with rounded corners and a lid (part b). Slat foundation used for both the lid and the base, but bundles of cedar roots were used for the sides. Lid (part b) fitted flush to slightly flared sides from which single handle is attached, one end to each long side. Handle is composed of bundles reinforced with cotton cord. Sides of the basket (part a) are decorated with imbricated panels of light yellow brown grass with alternating red brown and black dyed cherry bark in four "V" motifs. Panels are outlined in black, two each on longest sides and one on each end. Sturdy rim around base edge elevates basket. Beading in red and black cherry bark on the lid (part b) top and sides with grass at the lid's rim.
History Of Use
Those with lids commonly used for storage, others as cooking baskets.
Cultural Context
storage; basketry; plant technology
Specific Techniques
Imbrication is process of taking a strip of coloured grass or cherry bark and folding it under the stitching used to join together coiled sides. Common technique extends into cascades region of Washington, Lower Fraser and Thompson Rivers, British Columbia. Foundation coil made of slats and/or bundles. Slats give basket uniformly flat surface, bundles give corrugated ridged appearance. Split-stitching wraps foundation by sewing into place on the row below with bone awl. Cherry bark is dyed black.
Item History
- Made in British Columbia, Canada between 1892 and 1910
- Collected before 1911
- Owned by Mrs. J. A. Logan
- Owned by Mrs. H. T. Logan before June 1, 1977
- Received from Mrs. H. T. Logan (Donor) on June 1, 1977
What
- Name
- Storage Basket
- Identification Number
- Nbz777 a-b
- Type of Item
- basket
- Material
- grass, cotton fibre, cedar root and cedar wood
- Manufacturing Technique
- cut, sewn, imbricated, beaded, dyed and coiled
- Overall
- height 19.8 cm, width 32.7 cm, depth 21.2 cm
Who
- Culture
- Coast Salish
- Previous Owner
- Mrs. J. A. Logan and Mrs. H. T. Logan
- Received from
- Mrs. H. T. Logan (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- British Columbia, Canada
When
- Creation Date
- between 1892 and 1910
- Collection Date
- before 1911
- Ownership Date
- before June 1, 1977
- Acquisition Date
- on June 1, 1977
Other
- Item Classes
- basketry
- Condition
- fair
- Current Location
- Case 5
- Accession Number
- 0383/0003 a-b