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Indians 101: Some Wenatchi baskets (museum exhibit) [1]

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Date: 2024-06-20  

The Willis Carey Wing of the Cashmere Museum in Cashmere, Washington includes an exhibit of Wenatchi baskets.

In 1872, President Ulysses S. Grant issued an executive order establishing the Colville Reservation for the Salish-speaking Indian nations in north central Washington. One of these Salish-speaking nations was the Wenatchis (also known as the Peskwaws).

The Plateau tribes made a wide variety of different kinds of baskets. In his book NativeAmerican Clothing: An Illustrated History, Theodore Brasser writes:

“This was the ancient heartland of North American basketry, and the handiwork covered a range of objects from twined and coiled utilitarian containers to bags, baskets and hats decorated in various techniques.”

In his book People of the River: NativeArts of the Oregon Territory, Bill Mercer writes:

“Basketry is an art form that reached great heights of creative expression among the people of the Columbia River region. Although baskets served primarily functional purposes, they were nevertheless constructed with great care and decorated with sophisticated designs that lent them an aesthetic status beyond mere utilitarian objects.”

According to the display:

“Baskets were made in many sizes and shapes according to their use. Larger baskets were generally used for storage. Large baskets with broad flattened sides were often used for carrying things. The flattened side prevented them from rolling while supported on backs. These baskets were held in place with buckskin headbands, or tump lines.”

According to the display:

“Cedar root was used as a foundation and a wrapping and sewn into a continuous coil. Thread made from inner bark fiber of antelope brush, sagebrush. Western clematis or hemp was used to bind and sew the foundations together. The basket making materials were kept moist to keep them pliable while being woven.”

Wenatchi baskets were an important trade item and were traded to both neighboring tribes and to the American settlers. According to the display:

“Baskets made to sell or trade often were more elaborate than their utilitarian baskets. They were apt to have more decorative elements and were often finished off with a loop row at the rim.”

More American Indian baskets

Indians 101: Warm Springs beadwork and baskets (museum exhibits)

Indians 101: Some Woodlands Indian baskets (museum exhibit)

Indians 101: A basket display (museum tour)

Indians 101: Indian baskets in the Washington State History Museum (museum tour)

Indians 101: Nisqually and Puyallup baskets (photo diary)

Indians 101: Some Plateau Baskets (Photo Diary)

Indians 101: Suquamish Basketry (Photo Diary)

Indians 101: Mission Indian Baskets in the Maryhill Museum (Photo Diary)

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