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Posted 3 years ago
chursh
(8 items)
My newest find - I believe it is Tsimshian. Imbricated with “ALASKA” and a Diamond shape on the sides, with dotted outline above and below. Top has a Star pattern.
This piece would have been made for the early tourist trade in the early 1900’s if my research is correct. Excellent condition with no tears. Can anyone verify my guess or correct me? Thanks!
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Well, it's not "imbricated," if that's what you mean. Imbrication is a particular type of folded-over stitching, only done on coiled baskets, and this is a twined basket. "Imbrication" is only found on baskets made by a few tribes in the Pacific Northwest, and in African baskets along the Nile.
Also, Tsimshian baskets are plaited. Again, not twined, and usually made from cedar bark, and this one isn't.
If it's any consolation, the point is made in "Woven History, Native American
Basketry," that PNW baskets in collections are often mislabeled due to "the strong tradition of trade, potlatch-related gift giving, and intermarriage" that has complicated attempts at identification.
Thanks - I was referring to the fact that the design was only visible from the outside. What is your sense of its origin? Very dark coloring on the base. I appreciate your time.
On twined baskets, where the design only shows on one side, it's done with either a "half-twist overlay" stitch, or a "false embroidery stitch" (in this case).
The material looks like a type of rush (if it's strong, but slightly flexible). That, plus the way the lid fits over the top, the little "handle" on the lid, and the start used, however, are a characteristic of Chinese baskets that were sold as tourist items (hoping they would be mistaken for Indian baskets) on the West Coast. It's odd that "Alaska" would appear on one, however. So, possibly, it's an Indian basket that was "influenced" by a Chinese one.
However, it's the unique combination of material used, technique, form, and decoration that will determine the specific tribe, but which, as mentioned, is sometimes hard to pin down. I'd say check out techniques and material used by the Haida, from Haida Gwaii (formerly Queen Charlotte Islands), off the coast of British Colombia.
Thank you- I really appreciate your time and knowledge!
I found another one similar to this listed with other Native American baskets, but it doesn't provide any new information I can see:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/353400102468?hash=item5248499e44:g:KoUAAOSwVzFgODCU