Basket 19th-20th century

This basket was made by Qwiqwidicciat, a Makah artist, using plant fibers, likely cedar bark and bear grass. These materials aren't what we typically think of as 'art materials', but they are incredibly versatile and have a long history of use in Indigenous cultures of the Pacific Northwest. The tight weave speaks to the skill and patience involved in its making. Notice how the maker has incorporated subtle shifts in color and texture to create a visually appealing surface. This is achieved through a coiling technique, where the fibers are wrapped around a core material. The coiling is so tight and even, and the basket so finely constructed, that it could even hold water. Baskets like these were essential for food gathering, storage, and even cooking. However, they were also important social and cultural objects, used in ceremonies or given as gifts. Considering its intertwined use, this basket transcends the divide between art and craft, reminding us of the deep connection between materials, making, and everyday life.