Makah Trinket Basket 1920? How to Care For It

This basket had at one time a handwritten note in it "Makah 1920s." The note was lost somewhere at the Discovery Shop, so I can't show you it. They didn't think much of it because it was dusty and torn. It sat around for 6 months until they gave it to me as a gift today for helping them.

I think it is absolutely wonderful. The weaving is meticulous, and there appears to be a subtle raised pattern along the top between the colored lines (see second photo.) A master craftsman's work in my estimation. It is small at 5 1/2 inches long x 2 3/4 inches tall and 4 1/2 inches wide.

From what I gather these were woven for the tourist trade and had lids. The older ones being more finely woven. Does anyone know anything about these baskets? I want to know if the note was correct as to source and age. Also, how should I clean this. And how should I preserve it for future people to enjoy.

 

Looks right to me! It also looks from the pics like the sides are straight, and that they don't flair out as they get higher, and if that's the case, then yes I'd think it did once have a lid.

I wouldn't clean it much, but leave as is.

Nice basket!

 

Great news. You never know about a donation what the person actually knows. This is very exciting. Thank you.

 

Here's some info in a previous thread on the diff between Makah and Nuu-chul-nulth (Nootka) from @komokwa :

https://www.antiquers.com/threads/mini-native-baskets-makah-or-nootka.9666/#post-208081

 

Thanks that was very helpful. I didn't know there were two tribes that made these. Good to know. It is definitely Makah, then. I need to find other dated pieces. I saw one from 1904 with that subtle raised design.

 

Yes, this is Makah. Not all had lids, and I think this one likely never had a lid. There are several methods for making a lidded Makah basket, but the most common would have a rim of Cedar bark above the main weaving, which this does not; the lid would then fit onto that rim.
A second method would have the cedar-bark rim woven onto the lid, and the lid would then fit inside the body of the basket. It is possible this was originally one of that style, now missing a lid; but I think it more likely this was simply made in this lidless format.
It shows a geometric pattern, now so faded as to be almost invisible; but keeping it out of sunlight would preserve what little remains.
I'd say 1920s is about right.

 

Example of common Makah lid style; even if damaged, the rim can't be removed without leaving distinctive traces, so I'm sure yours was never a lidded basket of this style.

 

I don't have an example handy of the other lid style, but it is essentially the reverse of this; rather than having the cedar rim on the basket, and the lid having a plain rim, the cedar rim is woven onto the lid, and the basket itself has a plain rim. The rim on the lid then fits inside the body of the basket.
This would be very uncommon on an oval basket such as yours; I've only seen it on round baskets, though I'm sure there are exceptions.

 

Wonderful information. I’m glad you think it is complete in itself. So it has to live in the dark. I have an interior wall case where little light is cast. It can go there. I’m please about your confirmation of the 1920 designation. To think this fairly ephemeral thing has lasted 100 years is amazing to me. Thank you so much for taking to look at it and give me your detailed thoughts.

 

I see what you mean. The top of the basket seems to be reinforced to permit the top and prevent damage. Is that right?

 

Very interesting that there were these variations in the lid design. The lid on top has to be tightly matched to the rim but an inside lid could have more flexibility I suppose.

 

Sure; in either style, there is a specialized area where the lid fits, rather than just having a lid that rubs against the body of the basket every time the lid is removed.

 

Here is a nice little guide to dating Makah baskets, from the Burke Museum in Seattle:
https://www.burkemuseum.org/static/baskets/artists/trinket.html

They are mostly talking about the materials used in the foundation which is plaited and then twined, using cedar bark, sedge, cotton string and/or raffia. The designs on the surface are created with an "overlay" technique, using fine strips of various grasses and bark. These design elements are wrapped around each foundation stitch during the weaving process. This creates the angled "raised design" you may be referring to, and the horizontal lines of wrapped stitches visible on the interior of the basket.

 

Thank you. Now I understand what you are seeing. I appreciate this very much.

 

Thank you. I will have to study this to learn. Thank you. I don't know anything about baskets, so I have no way to look at them when they come up at a thrift or antique store. I knew this one was special because it is so small and the weave is so tiny.

 

Komo has suggested the following as excellent guides to Northwest Coast Native baskets, American baskets in general, and baskets from other parts of the world:

 

Thank you very much! All but a few baskets at the Discovery Shop, I go to and bought right away. I don't know why. These books will help me figure that out. Thank you.