A contemporary miniature, modeling an ancient utility basket intended to hold dry fish or meat; part of the winter food supply for an Aleut family. If needed, such a basket could have been quickly woven with materials on hand, while still in the field. It is used to transport the food home while still allowing it to continue air drying in transit.

The size of the basket would depend on the catch-of-the-day, or the number and size of the families sharing the dried catch. At the top of the basket braided loops are attached to, not woven through, a braided rim. A braided cord laced through the loops could be tightened, securing the contents against accidental spillage while still allowing access for additions to, or removal of, the contents.

Upon arriving home, the basket holding its contents, might simply be suspended from the roof beams, in the "pantry" to catch heat and moving air. So hung, it would finish drying the food while keeping it mold free and out of the light. Careful preservation would assure good food some months ahead.

When empty, this basket would be recycled by soaking to cleanse and soften then be flattened before being re-dried for repeated use as a transport and storage vessel.

This diminutive basket, woven of wild beach grass (Elymus Mollis) is cured in the ancient Aleut way taking weeks to acquire the appropriate color and tempering of fibre. Curing brings forth the inherent sheen, so admired in this material. With a gauge of approximately 100 stitches per inch, this basket is a model of a utility piece, intended for rugged, repeated usage. 1 inch X 2 inches.

Photo Gallery. By Lois Chichinoff Thadei. $325.00 (#1129)