Basketry Tray

basketry; plant technology; storage

Nlaka'pamux Elder and basket maker Minnie Peters identifies the pattern on this tray as a rocks pattern, while Sto:lo weaver Wendy Ritchie suggests that the pattern represents a sun and that the V formations near the edges are flying birds.

Coiled cedar root tray with handles. Round in shape with simple interlocking coiled work (bifurcated stitches) on splint foundation with slat foundation sides. Separated handles, three strand flat braided border, and imbricated interior and exterior. The interior surface is decorated with a radial pattern that consists of blocks of red and black cherry bark which radiate out from the centre in eight rows (forming three concentric horizontal rows). "V" forms around the edge. Sides scattered beading in thick strips of red and black. The exterior surface has beading that alternates in red and black.