Nuu-chah-nulth and Makah basketry have long been staples of the Northwest Coast curio trade. Constructed of cedar bark and dyed beach grasses, these baskets often feature whaling scenes, game animals, birds of prey, and even flags or steamships. But there are also examples with more geometric patterns, as seen on this basket. The abstracted, geometric patterns and unusual oblong shape of this basket give it a lot of unique character that set it apart from other examples. The dyes on the grass have also mellowed out over time, with the basket taking on a more muted elegance.

CWS