We have spoken before about the incredibly fine, skilled work of an experienced Tlingit weaver, particularly when using spruce root. Rightly renowned for their tight weaving and colourful patterns, Tlingit weavers take carefully prepared roots and artfully render them into functional vessels that are then a canvas for flowing bands of design work. The present lot features not just multiple colours of dyed roots, but a multitude of patterns to highlight those colours.

Using false imbrication to add the vibrancy of the dyed roots to the exterior of the basket, we are treated to three horizontal rows of false embroidery that are wrapped directly into the horizontal weft strands of the weave. At the top and bottom, a horizontal "butterfly" motif of rippling bands of opposing colours meets the eye, while a central band of the "cresting wave" motif alternates between a deeper brown and yellow, curling around the basket's body. It is fitting that the basket is crowned with twisted strands of root that alternate in colour along the rim, giving texture and strength to the upper edge. With an immense amount of time, knowledge, and labour, this basket boasts a clean finish to both the weaving and the patterning, making for a beautiful, functional basket.

AC