Basket

Coiled basketry traditionally had many uses. It was used for storage of foods, medicines and personal belongings. Some baskets were used for cooking and boiling water, while others had more private uses. Haeberlin and Teit (1928) suggest that in the past not all women were basket makers, but that the skill became more widespread during the early and middle twentieth century when basketry was highly collectible and it became a source of income for many local First Nations women. Basket making declined after the 1950s, but it is still present in many Coast Salish communities and interest is growing.

basketry; tourist art; economic activity

This is a Sto:lo basket. The designs are made using the banneq' (imbrication) technique and are folded over and over and over again. This is called the running stitch in English according to Rosaleen George.

Semi-cylindrical shaped coiled basket (bifurcated stitches) with attached lid. Parallel slat base and lid construction. Fully imbricated with canary grass with black cherry bark designs of two crosses on the back, a diamond shape in front, and a vertical row on either side in red cherry bark. Lid edge continues imbrication on basket. Top of lid has parallel rows beaded in canary grass, metal button on rim, and string hinges.