Haida Cedar Basket

Late 19th - Early 20th Century

8.75" H x 9" x 10" D

Haida twined basketry is a traditional Northwest Coast Indigenous weaving art form practiced by the Haida people of Haida Gwaii (Queen Charlotte Islands, British Columbia) and the Kaigani Haida in southeastern Alaska. It is known for its understated elegance, fine craftsmanship, and functional yet beautiful designs. Unlike the more colorful, geometric styles of neighboring Tlingit baskets, Haida twined baskets typically feature simple, solid horizontal bands in subtle colors.

In Very Good Condition with 3 Breaks on the Rim as Pictured

Haida cedar baskets are exquisite examples of Indigenous Northwest Coast art, crafted by the Haida people primarily from the inner bark of the western red cedar tree (Ts'uu in Haida). These baskets, known as xayna, represent a vital cultural tradition passed down through generations, mostly by women (jaada). Cedar bark weaving is intertwined with Haida identity, utilizing the abundant red cedar from Haida Gwaii and surrounding regions, which has been central to Haida life for thousands of years—evidenced by ancient woven artifacts dating back over 4,000 years.

Culturally, these baskets were (and are) used for practical purposes like gathering berries, clams, or other foods, storage, cooking, and ceremonial items. Some feature open weaves for draining water, while others are tightly woven for holding liquids. The craft symbolizes resilience, connection to the land, and matrilineal knowledge transmission. Renowned weavers like Delores Churchill, Holly Churchill, Gladys Vandal (Jiixa), and Lisa Telford continue this legacy, often combining cedar bark with techniques like plaiting, twining, and decorative dyeing.