Antique Athabascan White Birch Bark Folded Gathering Food & Water Storage Basket

Description

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For Sale Today:
A beautiful White Birch bark basket.
Presumably Native American Athabascan, probably 20th century.
A great object for study or display, this will make a nice addition to any student or appreciators collection of Native American art and artifacts.
This piece was purchased from a large single owner estate collection of Native American art and artifacts.
Birch bark baskets have been made for roughly 2000 years. Bark is pulled in the Spring or early Summer taking only the outer layer so the tree will not be killed. The bark is cut, warmed to make it flexible, folded into shape and stitched together with split spruce or willow roots, using an awl to make the holes. Rims and reinforcing strips are made of red willow or cranberry wood. Birch bark is waterproof, strong and flexible. Athapaskan women traditionally fashioned them into baskets of many shapes and sizes. These were used to collect water, berries and roots; to hold food and water inside the house, and to store food for winter.
Very good condition with no detectable repairs. Exhibits signs of age such as surface wear and weathering. As they are part of the description, please enlarge all photographs to better ascertain details and condition.
Dimensions:
Height 3 1/4"
Width 10 1/4"
Length 14 1/8"
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The packing peanuts we use are recyclable: #6
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