Threads 54: Believe it or not!

This is a guessing game. How many baskets do you think are in this small square basket measuring 5 centimeters by 5 centimeters?

I have seldom seen this approach to basketry taken on this continent, or in fact in England. So I was surprised to receive these three small Salish Coast (see note below) baskets made of spruce root and cedar bark, generously donated to the museum last year. The two smaller lidded baskets fit neatly into the larger one which measures 6 cm high and 8 cm around. They are all beautifully patterned and traditional designs. 

However, it is mainly a formula that is carried out on the other side of the world. In the museum, I have several baskets made to contain several more inside. I can’t help wondering if they were made to be extra useful baskets, or if they were made to show the dexterity of the basket maker. 

The ‘guessing game’ basket that I mentioned at the beginning of this blog, is quite exceptional, due to the extremely small and patterned works, as shown below. That there are in fact six lidded and 12 baskets. The smallest which is just over 1 cm in all directions. 

Note on Salish Coast baskets: Traditionally, the Coast Salish Indians wove a wide variety of baskets to serve many purposes, including gathering, storing, and preparing food; holding household goods; transporting objects; and protecting their infants. Gathering baskets were commonly used to gather roots, berries, shellfish and other foods.