Basket Item Number: Nd651 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Coiled basket with bifurcated stitches; parallel splint base construction; partially beaded and imbricated. The design consists of three vertical zigzag lines in phase alternate with solid diamond shapes; above wire - sets of three vertical lines; rim is imbricated in red. Four rawhide ties. Wire splint.
History Of Use
Coiled baskets in a range of sizes, embellished with distinctive patterns and motifs of animals and humans, have long been made and used by the Tsilhqot’in people. Spruce roots are usually preferred over cedar roots as the foundation for these strong and functional containers, which are often made in a flared, burden-basket form. Baskets were used extensively for carrying, storage and cooking, in addition to being made for trade or sale.
Specific Techniques
This type of basket was usually made of coiled split and bundled spruce-tree roots, stitched together by long, fine strands of spruce root. Beginning at the base of the basket, the weaver would gradually build up the form out of a continuous coil, stitching the upper layer to the coil below. Each stitch splits the one directly below it as the root is drawn through the coil. At the same time, the weaver folds or imbricates strands of grass and bark into each stitch on the outside of the basket, often creating dark patterns on a light background.
Item History
- Made in British Columbia, Canada before 1900
- Collected during 1900
- Owned by Margaret L. Buttimer
- Owned by Alfred J. Buttimer before 1932
- Received from Alfred J. Buttimer (Donor) during 1932
What
- Name
- Basket
- Identification Number
- Nd651
- Type of Item
- basket
- Material
- metal, fibre, rawhide skin, cherry bark and cedar root
- Manufacturing Technique
- coiled and imbricated
- Overall
- height 31.5 cm, width 42.4 cm, depth 31.3 cm
Who
- Culture
- Tsilhqot'in
- Previous Owner
- Margaret L. Buttimer and Alfred J. Buttimer
- Received from
- Alfred J. Buttimer (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- British Columbia, Canada
When
- Creation Date
- before 1900
- Collection Date
- during 1900
- Ownership Date
- before 1932
- Acquisition Date
- during 1932
Other
- Item Classes
- basketry
- Condition
- good
- Current Location
- Case 30
- Accession Number
- 2003/0128