Container

About this object

Narrative

The basket and lyre (3526/1-2) were both on display at Expo 86 in Vancouver. They were given to the donor after the exposition ended.

Physical description

Basketry container with lid, encased in a leather holder. Container has a circular mouth that flares into a rounded body; raised braided seam around middle. Body tapers into a small flat base, with a concave centre. The lid has an inner ridge, that fits into the container body, and a raised knob on the top centre. Bottom edge of lid has braided decorations; sides of knob are covered in cowrie shells. The holder consists of three vertical straps secured together with three horizontal straps along the bottom, centre and top of the container. Front and back strap are separate pieces; left and right side made up of one long strap that extends overtop of the container, imitating a handle. Additional leather ties are looped throughout the holder. Motifs are incised and darkened across all straps. Left, right and back straps have alternating stripes and "X" shapes; front band has wide diagonal lines throughout.