|
Basket Gallery
 Baleen
Basketry: Baskets made of baleen (a fibrous substance found in the
mouths of plankton-eating whales) were first created by Alaska
Natives in the early years of the 20th century. They continue to be
made by a handful of weavers, and are now highly prized as a symbol
of Inupiaq Native identity. These baskets come from the Arctic
region of Alaska, mainly from the villages of Pt. Hope and Barrow.
They are topped with finely carved ivory finials. As with walrus
ivory, only Alaska Native people may work with whale baleen. Other
baleen baskets may be available; call for information.
907 463-4686
|
|
|
|
Baleen Basket by Don Johnston 4" wide by 4" tall including finial) white baleen accents, fossil ivory whale's tail finial. $1,850.
|
|
|
|
Clam Gathering Basket.
Traditional Haida cedar bark basket by Holly Churchill Burns. Holly comes from a long line of Haida weavers. She makes traditional baskets from her culture. The basket is 13" tall by 11.5"diameter. $2,000.
|
|
|
|
Baleen basket with walrus ivory finial
Marilyn Hank, Pt. Hope. Finial carved by Julius Alowa. Basket is 3.5" tall by 3.5" diameter. Very finely woven. $1,600.
|
|
|
|
Baleen basket with walrus ivory finial.
James Omnik, Pt Barrow. Combination of dark and light baleen with fossil ivory whale tale finial. Basket is 4" tall by 4" diameter. $1,200.
|
|
|
|
Traditional Haida cedar bark basket by Holly Churchill Burns. Used for storing a small charm or amulet; called "rattle top" because tiny pebbles woven into the top knob make a sound when the basket is shaken. According to tradition, the owner would not have to actually hear the sound. If your basket was disturbed, your spirit would "hear" the rattle. For this reason, it is also called a spirit basket. The basket is 2.5" tall by 3.5" diameter. $800.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Trinket box.
Smoke-tanned moose hide, tufted caribou hair, beads. By Selina Alexander, Athabascan. This box is 2" tall by 4" diameter; $400. Caribou tufting on moose hide is a traditional Athabascan technique. The Athabascan people live in interior Alaska. More sizes and colors of boxes are available. Call for information.
|
|
|
|
