Large Pit River Storage Basket

Late 19th Century

11.125" H x 16" x 18" D 

Hand Woven with a Full Twist Overlay with Cloud Over Mountain Motif

Had Body Splits Professionally Restored

Overall In Very Good Condition

Large Pit River Storage Baskets are exquisite examples of traditional Native American basketry from the Pit River Tribe (primarily the Achomawi and Atsugewi peoples) in northeastern California. These baskets were essential for storing foods like acorns, seeds, dried fish, and other gathered resources, reflecting the tribe's deep connection to their environment along the Pit River.

Pit River basketry is renowned for its twined construction technique, where flexible weavers (often willow roots) are twisted around sturdy upright rods. Materials typically include willow rods for the foundation, bear grass for light overlays, and maidenhair fern for dark accents, creating striking geometric patterns like zigzags, diamonds, stepped designs (sometimes called "mountain steps"), and stacked triangles. These large storage baskets are often globular or cylindrical, tightly woven for durability, and sometimes feature lids for secure storage.