Large Thompson River Basket with Handles

ca 1900

Size: 5.25" H x 11.5" with Handles H x 11.5" L x 6.5" W

Nlaka’pamux (Thompson River people), an Interior Salish group in southern British Columbia, around the Fraser and Thompson River valleys. They’ve been perfecting their basketry for generations, and it’s a craft that’s both practical and artistic.

These baskets are typically coiled, made from cedar roots, which are tough yet flexible—perfect for the job. The real magic happens with the imbrication, a technique where they fold decorative materials like cherry bark (in red or black) and bear grass (white or dyed) over the coils to create patterns. You’ll see designs like zigzags, triangles, arrows, or even starbursts—each one telling a story or marking a family’s style. They’re not just pretty; they’re built for use—think burden baskets for carrying goods, trays for serving, or lidded boxes for storage.

Back in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, these baskets became trade gold as European settlers rolled in after the 1858 gold rush. The Nlaka’pamux adapted, making pieces that appealed to newcomers while keeping their traditions alive. Sizes vary—small ones might be 3x5 inches, while big storage trunks can hit 15x26 inches. Condition matters too; older ones often show wear or native repairs, adding character.