Antique Makah Basket

ca. 1900

 4.5" H x 5.5" D

Fine weave, tall sided with two primary body bands and diamond band at base.

Excellent Condition

Makah baskets are traditional crafts from the Makah tribe, known for their distinctive weaving techniques and cultural significance. Here's an in-depth look at these baskets:

Makah Tribe:

Location: The Makah live near Cape Flattery at the northwestern tip of the Olympic Peninsula in Washington state.

Cultural Background: Basket weaving among the Makah is deeply rooted in their culture, serving both functional and ceremonial purposes. With no tradition of ceramic crafts, baskets were essential for cooking, gathering, and holding water.

Materials and Techniques:

Primary Materials: Makah baskets are traditionally made from the inner bark of the Western Red Cedar, bear grass (which was later sometimes substituted with raffia), and sometimes beach grass or slough sedge.

Weaving Techniques: They utilize methods like twining, plaiting, and a rare wrapped twining technique, which gives their baskets a unique texture and strength.