Sculpture from the Collection of George Terasaki
Sculpture from the Collection of George Terasaki
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