Berry Basket, splint

Berry Basket, splint

Berry Basket, splint

top image
Images
Introduction

A Haudenosaunee strawberry-shaped fancy basket, made of ash. From Six Nations, probably collected in the 1960s or 1970s. This type of basket was often made for the souvenir trade. Collected by Gertrude Kurath, who published studies of Haudenosaunee dance and music,it was acquired by the Woodland Cultural Centre in 1994.

Nation of Maker: Hodenosaunee/Haudenosaunee
Reasons for connecting this relative with particular nation(s)

Baesd on the style of basket.

Date Made or Date Range: 1960s to 1970s
Summary of Source(s) for this Relative

Catalogue card

Materials

Ash splints; green and pink or red dye.

Techniques or Format

The basket is woven, with the red or pink dyed wefts twisted to form loops. The top is made of splints dyed green and cut to resemble the top of a strawberry.

Additional Context

The basket resembles a strawberry, which is an important symbol in Haudenosaunee culture.

Other Notes

This type of basket is sometimes called a 'fancy basket' and was made for the souvenir trade.

Condition: Fair.
Reasons for connecting this relative with particular times, materials, styles and uses

The dates of Gertrude Kurath's (1903-1992) publications on Haudenosaunee dance and music at Six Nations suggest she was visiting the community during the 1960s and 70s.

Catalogue, Accession or Reference Number: 994.8.2
Date of Acquisition by the Institution: July 8, 1994
Collection Narratives and Histories

Kurath Collection

GKS Reference Number: 24643
Record Creation Context

Created July 8, 2011, while on a research trip to Woodland Cultural Centre. Researchers present: Stacey Loyer and Joanna Miller.