Sculpture from the Collection of George Terasaki

Sculpture from the Collection of George Terasaki

View full screen - View 1 of Lot 69. TLINGIT DOUBLE BASKET.

TLINGIT DOUBLE BASKET

Auction Closed

November 19, 09:20 PM GMT

Estimate

3,000 - 5,000 USD

Lot Details

Description

TLINGIT DOUBLE BASKET


Circa 1880-1900

Height (closed): 5 ¼ in (13.2 cm)

Spruce root

George Terasaki, New York, probably acquired in the 1960s

This type of double basket was made as a container for important or special substances. They are sometimes referred to as a "down holder" or "shot basket". The intricate care taken by the weaver to make the two parts of the basket fit together is remarkable. The stepped design on the inner basket is known as the "shaman's hat" pattern, suggesting that perhaps this was used to hold eagle down or possibly small amulets employed by a shaman. The ring designs on the outer cover are created by self-patterned twining of the finely split weft roots.


Steven C. Brown