First Nations • Basket Weaving

About This Category

Cedar Bark and Bog (Swamp) Grass are two materials still used by the traditional basket weavers of the Pacific Northwest Coast First Nations. Some of the best weavers come from the Central Region tribes of the Nuu-Chah-Nulth First Nations. The master weavers work together through sharing traditional knowledge and by teaching these skills to the next generation. They continue to preserve their cultural heritage through weaving with Western Red Cedar Bark and Bog (Swamp) Grass.

The Pacific Northwest Coastal First Nations use a twining process to create the finest baskets and hats from this "grass", often with cedar bark foundations. Weaving intricate patterns and designs, the master weavers use special dyed strands of Bog (Swamp) Grass. Each pattern is created with naturally coloured materials over the regular weave. They weave many styles and sizes of baskets, the most common being round with a flat bottom and fitted lid. After European contact, it became widespread practice to weave around bottles and dishes in less traditional forms: synthetic dyes of the brightest hue have almost entirely replaced the soft tones of natural dyes in designs.

Taking Care of your Basket

Use water and a soft cloth to clean surface dust or debris off a grass basket. The grasses derive from marsh areas and swamps so they are accustomed to water. Employ a cotton swab damp with water to clean crevices hard to reach.

Keep your basket away from direct exposure to light cast by a lightbulb or the sun.