Institute for Biodiversity Science and Sustainability

CAS Anthropology Collections Database


Catalog Number

CAS 0370-0053   CAS 0370-0053; Baby carrier / cradleboard
Category Basketry
Object Name Baby carrier / cradleboard
Culture Western Mono
Global Region North America
Country USA
State/Prov./Dist. California
County Madera, Fresno
Other Geographic Data unknown
Maker's Name Unknown
Date of Manufacture ca. 1930-1950
Collection Name Elkus Collection (Native American)
Materials Willow (Salix sp.) shoots; Deer brush (Ceonothus integerrimus) shoots; Redbud (Cercis canadensis var. texensis) shoots; Sedge (Carex sp.) roots; Glass beads; Cotton string; Thread; Pigment
Description Girl's baby carrier consisting of double-layer triangular backboard and arched sun shade on hooped supports; Backboard woven primarily in lashing stitch with plain twining at base; Sun shade woven in diagonal twining; Rim is coil-wrapped; Backboard design is vertical zigzags, indicating its use by a female child; Hood design alternates exposed warps and twined bands; 2 beaded dangles and red pigment spots also decorate hood; This type of carrier would be the second of several cradles used by a baby, this one being of sturdier construction and woven with a full protective hood and gender-specific designs.
Dimensions (cm) Height = 20.4, Width = 34.3, Length = 52.7