Very Fine Little Makah-Nuu-chah-nulth Lidded Basket with Whalers in Boat folk art doll or flowering branches

or flowering branches

for the Archives of American Art’s Nanette L

This one has had a life

I have not attempted to polish this as I like the patina

Very Fine Little Makah-Nuu-chah-nulth Lidded Basket with Whalers in Boat folk art doll or flowering branchesI have completely fallen in love with Makah and Nuu chah nulth (Nootka) baskets, so finely woven of bear grass with cedar bark rims, and frequently featuring figurative elements like this one, with a pair of figures in what I believe are whaling boats on either side. While this very little one I believe dating to the early 20th century has some damage to the lid, the bottom half is in excellent condition and it remains a really lovely little piece.