Square Slat Centre Tray with Handles, Diamonds Design

Photo by Fraser Spafford Ricci, after conservation.

Catalogue Number
993.21.29

Inventory Number
4338

Object Name
Square Slat Centre Tray with Handles, Diamonds Design

Basketmaker
Unknown

Design Description

This is an unusual diamond design. There are four diamonds encircling the centre of the tray, but while one (a black diamond) has a centre composed of a star or cross, the other three diamonds only have half of the design, which indicates that the maker likely forgot which pattern she was following.

There are four large diamonds; two black on the long sides and two red on the short sides. Each diamond is outlined with a base-colour of either red or black, and an inside pattern composed of the same colour. The interior of the inner patter is composed of white. The unusual coiled slats in the centre of the tray are surrounded by a red beaded outline.

Length

37 cm

Width

46 cm

Height

6.5 cm

Shape and Use

Oval serving tray with handles on the long ends, flat bottomed. This tray is very unusual as it uses a rectangular centre of coiled slats, surrounded by bundled coils. The outside is also made of cedar slats.

Weave

Coiled bundled; coiled slats; imbricated. The basket is tightly woven, and the weave is smooth and fine. This basket is made of a combination of techniques, both of coiled bundles and of coiled cedar slats; centre of tray is made of seven coiled slats surrounded by twelve coils of bundles.

One row of cedar slats make up the outside of the tray; top of rim and handles are coiled bundles; outer sides have wide imbrications, red on sides, black on length, opposites of designs.

Materials

Split cedar root; cedar slats; inner bark of the chokecherry (naturally red, dyed black); bear grass, (sun-bleached white).

Culture

Possibly N'laka'pamux; or downriver Salish with N'laka'pamux influence.

History

Donor: Mrs. Aida Freeman; Collected by her mother, Mrs. Kathleen Edith Pearson Southwell.