Large Antique Tlingit Basket- with rim wear

Late 19th Century

 7.5"H x 11.5"D

The rim has been trimmed down. There is a short vertical rim split as pictured.

Tlingit basketry is a fascinating piece of Northwest Coast artistry, hailing from the Tlingit people of southeast Alaska and parts of British Columbia. These baskets are a variation of their renowned spruce root weaving, but with a twist—they’ve been intentionally “cut down” or reworked, often from a larger form into something smaller or more refined, showcasing both skill and adaptability.

The Tlingit start with spruce roots, harvested from coastal forests, split fine and soaked to make them pliable. They use a tight twining technique—wrapping weft strands over a warp foundation—creating a basket that’s tough yet flexible. A cut-down version might begin as a big, utilitarian piece, like a storage or gathering basket, then get trimmed and reshaped, maybe into a lidded container or a decorative item. The process keeps the signature texture—slightly ribbed, with that golden-brown spruce sheen—but adds a new silhouette, often 5 to 8 inches tall and wide, though sizes vary.