kwelmexwus (Basket)
About this object
History of use
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.
Cultural context
basketry; economic activity; plant technology
Physical description
Rectangular coiled cedar root basket (part a) with a lid (part b) and two large circular handles which are attached to the sides of the basket with leather strips. Braided edges on both the basket (part a) and the lid (part b). Beaded designs in alternating rows of white grass and cherry bark. Cherry bark designs are diamond shaped.
Categories
Materials
Date Made
1965-1976
Date Acquired
9 Oct 1990
How Acquired
Donated
Credit Line
Barbara Wyss Collection of Cedar Root Baskets of Eva NahaneeMore...
Measurements
Overall: 13.5 cm x 24.5 cm x 13 cm
Object Number
Nbz805 a-b