Eskimo Basket with Lid

20th Century

6.5" H x 6.75" D + Nob 1"

Hand Coiled Golden Tan Background with Inlaid Diamond Design in Red, Black, Green and Light Blue Colors

In Very Good Condition

Eskimo baskets with lids (more accurately called Inuit or Yup'ik baskets, as "Eskimo" is an older term for certain Alaska Native and Arctic Indigenous groups) are traditional coiled baskets handmade by Alaska Native peoples, particularly the Yup'ik and Inupiat communities.

These are typically woven from beach grass (also called rye grass or sweetgrass), tightly coiled in a spiral technique for durability and fine texture. Lids often feature a knob or handle on top for easy removal, and many include decorative elements like geometric patterns, dyed grass (red, black, green, or purple accents from natural or commercial dyes), or occasionally seal gut motifs for added color and cultural significance.