Baby Carrier

About this object

History of use

Basketry cradles are thought to be of relatively recent origin by some basketry experts, such as Andrea Laforet. They may first have appeared in the late 1800s or early 1900s. In the early to mid 20th Century basket makers began expanding their reportoire of shapes and styles for collectors, and many new forms were seen including tea cups, tables, suitcases, and hand bags to name a few.

Narrative

Anna Billy was told her that cradles should be 'three hands' long. She uses her forearm to measure hers, since she has small hands. Diane Billy adds that this cradle was made using traditional methods and is much stronger as a result.

Cultural context

children

Physical description

Large oblong cradle (part a) with protruding curved handle, two skin straps attached at either end, a skin cover (part b) , and a piece of fibre cording (part c). Cradle has overall light and medium brown checkered weaving pattern, and is decorated with alternating diagonal rows of black and red cherry bark.