Description :

Early-to-mid 20th-century Makah split-cedar and sweetgrass trinket baskets are highly sought after by Pacific Northwest regional art collectors. Baskets featuring intact geometric colored bands and original loop-knob lids are premium attributes. The small sizes (4.5" and under) categorize them as highly desirable, easily displayable miniatures.

The two traditional twined baskets with the geometric bands (measured at 4" x 3" and 4.5" x 3") are historically known as "Trinket Baskets" or "Trade Baskets." * The Evolution of the Craft: Traditionally, the Makah people (based around Neah Bay, Washington) and their close linguistic relatives, the Nuu-chah-nulth of Vancouver Island, wove massive, utilitarian baskets out of split cedar bark and spruce root for gathering clams, berries, and storing large goods.

The Transition to Trade (1880s–1930s): With the arrival of European and American tourists via steamship lines, native weavers adapted their incredible skills to create small, easily transportable souvenirs. They downsized their designs into miniature, lidded vanity and trinket pots.

The Colors: The wrap-around geometric bands (often featuring chevrons, steps, or stylized animals like ducks, whales, or canoes) were made using grasses dyed with natural vegetable matter, berries, and later, commercial aniline dyes—explaining the beautifully muted purples, reds, and olive greens seen today.

The third basket (or lidded fiber pot) uses a "coiling" technique. Coiling involves taking a continuous bundle of fiber, wrapping it into a spiral, and stitching the rows together vertically.

​The Fiber Profile: The soft, thick, and highly textured weave strongly points toward a hemp, jute, or heavy flax cordage.

It is of unknown origin but likely also early American 20th century and expertly handcrafted to withstand the test of time as a highly collectible item. 

Dimension of the baskets are: 4" x 3", 4.5" x 3", and 4" x 2".