Tsimshian Basket

Early 20th century

9.5" x 7"

An early example with birds. Deep Patina. May have had cord handles which are missing.

Tsimshian Basketry is a distinctive art form from the Tsimshian people, an Indigenous group of the Pacific Northwest Coast, primarily located in northern British Columbia and southeastern Alaska. These baskets are traditionally crafted from red cedar bark, which is harvested, split into thin strips, and twined into intricate forms. Spruce root is also commonly used, especially in older or more refined pieces, showcasing the Tsimshian’s deep knowledge of local materials.

The baskets often feature twining techniques, where the weaver twists the cedar or spruce fibers to create tight, durable structures. A hallmark of Tsimshian basketry is "false embroidery," a decorative method where additional materials—like bear grass or dyed cedar—are woven onto the surface for patterns, visible only on the outside. Designs can include geometric shapes, such as checker work or herringbone patterns, or motifs like butterflies, flowers, and animals (e.g., ducklings or arrows), reflecting both utility and aesthetic intent. Some baskets made for trade, especially in the early 20th century, bear words like "Alaska" or "Ketchikan" woven into them, signaling their commercial appeal to tourists.