Basket

About this object

Iconographic meaning

This basket has a design that can be interpreted as flying geese and as a rattlesnake's rattle. The rattlesnake interpretation is more common in the interior of British Columbia, while the flying geese motif dominates in communities along the lower portion of the Fraser River.

Physical description

Rectangular coiled basket (bifurcated stitches) with short foot and small handles formed on each side from the top row of coils. Parallel slat base construction. Fully imbricated in cat-tail grass (?) with inverted "v" shapes, one on each side, in rows of dark cherry bark with one of red cherry bark between. Shapes at each corner near rim, in red cherry bark, one in black. Rim is beaded in dark cherry bark.