Basket Fragment
Snohomish County, WA
Open plain twined spruce root basket with irregularly plaited base
Cat. # 45SN100/2001

This basket is more complete than most other fragments in the Biderbost collection. The base of the basket is still partially intact and is still connected to the walls of the basket. It has been suggested that this basket was made in a hurry due to the husk that remains on the spruce root material, as well as the irregular pattern of twill plaiting on the bottom of the basket. Although this suggests a utilitarian purpose, the intricate double-strand twining at the base adds a touch of beauty.

Photograph by Burke Museum