Catalog Number: 1993-23/4
Object Name: Baleen Basket
Made By: Inupiaq
Used By: Inupiaq / Point Barrow
Found: Point Barrow
Materials: Coiled Baileen and Carved Ivory
Subject: Mammal
Dimensions of lid (metric): Diameter: 10.16 centimeters, Height: 2.86 centimeters
Dimensions of lid (English): Diameter: 4.00 inches, Height: 1.13 inches
Dimensions of body (metric): Diameter: 9.52 centimeters, Height: 4.06 centimeters Dimensions of body (English): Diameter: 3.75 inches, Height: 1.60 inches
Donor: Gift of Garland Morrison acting on behalf of Maude F. Morrison, his sister-in-law. Maude Morrison was a school teacher in Alaska; she acquired these baskets during the time she lived there (approx. 1938-1945).
Date Received: February 18, 1993
Date Made: 1938
Label: Coiled basket made from baleen, with an ivory start on the bottom, and an ivory start/knob on the lid. The basket is coiled from a one-rod foundation of baleen with encircling, non-interlocking stitches of baleen. The start on the bottom is an ivory disc (1" diameter) with small holes drilled around its perimeter; the baleen lashing is threaded through these. The coils of baleen gradually thicken and extend outward from the start. The rim has three rows of baleen on the inside, creating a lip. The finish is a self coiled rim finish in the opposite direction, creating a cross over. The lid, which fits into the mouth of the basket, also has a carved ivory disc start (1.125" diameter), representing a mammal (bear? fox? seal?) with incised ears, nostrils, and eyes. The eyes and nostrils are blackened. Holes are drilled around the disc for the baleen lashing. There are four rows of baleen coiled underneath the lip of the lid, creating the rim which fits inside the basket.
SEE: "Baleen Basketry of the North ALaskan Eskimo" by Molly Lee, 1983.
Accession Data: Accession ID: 1993-23; Accession Date: 02/18/1993; Accession Type: Accession Gift