Posted 12 years ago
Tlynnie1942
(134 items)
I just got this today, it is a basket made around 1890 by either the Makah or the Nootka tribes. Since both made baskets pretty much the same way it is hard to tell but I am leaning towards the Nootka on this one. It is about 6 inches in diameter by about 3 inches high, very large for one of these baskets. Most are smaller because it took less materials and time to make them for the tourists. It is the best Makah basket I have ever found in all my years of collecting as the basket is very flexible, the weave is so tiny and the colors are great! There is no damage to the weave except for a couple of the tiny splints at the rim are a little crooked. The more tiny the weave and the more vibrant the colors, the more value they have today. The weave is tiny and perfect, and the bottom has a center (I call it a "belly button") that is made with Red Cedar. Some baskets were designed with pictures of whales or birds or people as more and more tourists were wanting to buy the baskets. But I like the ones with geometric designs on them as that is one sign that the basket was made early (before 1900). Of course there are more things you have to look for to make sure the basket was woven before 1900. like how it is woven and what was used. The baskets are made using Cedar Bark, Bear Grass and Sea Grasses and the colors come from both natural and Aniline dyes. I am happy to have this treasure in my collection, hope you enjoy the pics. :)
Thank you Walksoftly and miKKoChristmas11! :)
Thanks for the "love", pieces! :)
Thank you to rocker-sd and to PhilDavidAlexanderMorris for the "love"! :)
I missed one.....Thank you BELLIN68 for the Love :)