Spruce Root, Grass and Basket Weaving
Berlin Ethnological Museum (Contributor)
Chugach Alaska Corporation (Contributor)
Chugach Heritage Foundation (Contributor)
Dawn Randazzo (Contributor)
Deborah McMullen (Contributor)
Chugach Alaska Corporation (Contributor)
Chugach Heritage Foundation (Contributor)
Dawn Randazzo (Contributor)
Deborah McMullen (Contributor)
Dawn Randazzo notes the combination of spruce root and grass weaving techniques in some of the baskets — the main structure is spruce root while the decorative components are grass, a detail she had not previously noticed. Deborah McMullen then shares that she brought a miniature beach grass basket she made herself, noting that although she used different materials, she used the same weave as the museum baskets. She marvels at how neatly the tops of the baskets are turned and observes the long pieces of spruce root visible on the inside. She observes that dyes were used, and notes the larger weave at the bottom, wondering whether it was intended to add strength and whether the design on the bottom serves a similar structural purpose. McMullen marvels at the skill, talent, and time required to make them, and wonders whether the baskets were new when Jacobsen acquired them. She also mentions how weavers would work around Russian bottles to create new shapes. Randazzo adds that the baskets look barely used.
Do you have a story to contribute or a comment about this item?
Login/register to comment May 2 2023
Born Digital
MP4
2023.010.433.MP4
Copyright 2023 Chugachmiut Heritage Preservation
