Institute for Biodiversity Science and Sustainability

CAS Anthropology Collections Database


Catalog Number

CAS 0145-0124   CAS 0145-0124; Winnowing basket
Category Basketry
Object Name Winnowing basket
Culture Wintu
Global Region North America
Country USA
State/Prov./Dist. California
County Shasta, Trinity
Other Geographic Data unknown
Maker's Name Unknown
Date of Manufacture ca. late 1800s
Collection Name N/A
Materials Hazel (Corylus cornuta var. californica) shoots; Conifer roots; Bear grass (Xerophyllum tenax) leaves; Woodwardia fern (Woodwardia sp.) stems; Maidenhair fern (Adiantum sp.) stems
Description Deep round winnowing basket with wide, flat base and flaring sides; Basket is woven primarily in plain twining technique, with 3-strand twining on the base; Warp material is whole, peeled hazel shoots and primary weft material is conifer roots; Designs are woven in full-twist overlay and consist of large, irregular 4-point star (comprised of parallel columns of stacked triangles) on base and continuing up sides, and 4 triangular units (also comprising stacked triangles) pendant from rim, all woven of black maidenhair fern stems and dyed brown woodwardia fern stems on a background of undyed bear grass leaves.
Dimensions (cm) Height = ca. 14.5, Max Diam = 65.5