Arctic and Subarctic Baskets
A very fine lidded Attu basket, circa 1900
From Alaska to Labrador, the Native Americans of the Subarctic and Arctic include the Aleut, Eskimo, Northern Athabaskan, as well as several smaller groups of people.
Although most Natives from this region were semi-nomadic, following migrating caribou, fishing and hunting, theirs was a rugged country which, interestingly, brought forth some of the most delicate basketry as well as basketry of unusual materials.
The Attu of the Aleutian Islands of Alaska used wild rye grass, dyed and natural, with a closed twined weave to make some of the most delicate baskets in the world.
Although most Natives from this region were semi-nomadic, following migrating caribou, fishing and hunting, theirs was a rugged country which, interestingly, brought forth some of the most delicate basketry as well as basketry of unusual materials.
The Attu of the Aleutian Islands of Alaska used wild rye grass, dyed and natural, with a closed twined weave to make some of the most delicate baskets in the world.
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The Alaskan Eskimo sometimes used whale baleen and walrus ivory to make fine coiled baskets. Most of those made with baleen were after 1900 and made for sale. |
Lidded Eskimo baleen basket with ivory animal head knob on lid, circa 1940
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Yupik Eskimo, west coast Alaska, circa 1960
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Among the more commonly seen Alaskan baskets are made by the Yupik Eskimo. Here is a large lidded jar, with beach grass (natural and dyed) weft over a bundle grass foundation. Sometimes dyed seal skin, seal gut, or wool was used in the decoration using a "false embroidery" technique. |
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The many small groups of Eskimos and Athabaskans also made coiled grass baskets that were often plain. This cup was obviously made as a tourist item. |
