Institute for Biodiversity Science and Sustainability

CAS Anthropology Collections Database


Catalog Number

CAS 0370-0815   CAS 0370-0815; Basket
Category Basketry
Object Name Basket
Culture Pomo
Global Region North America
Country USA
State/Prov./Dist. California
County Mendocino, Sonoma, Lake
Other Geographic Data unknown
Maker's Name Unknown
Date of Manufacture early 1900s
Collection Name Elkus Collection (Native American)
Materials Willow (Salix sp.) shoots; Sedge (Carex sp.) roots; Bulrush (Scirpus sp.) roots; California quail (Callipepla californica) top knot feathers; Clam shell (Saxidomus nutalli) beads; Wild iris (Iris sp.) (?) cordage
Description Round basket with flat base and rounded sides that taper in at rim; Coiled on single-rod foundation; Designs in dyed bulrush include network of rectangular units (deer back pattern), starting on base and covering sides; Row of clam shell disk beads is sewn to rim and second string of beads forms handle, attached to opposite sides of rim; 17 quail top knot feathers decorate sides of basket. [In 1977 Pomo basketweaver Mable McKay identified this design as the “ant” design.]
Dimensions (cm) Height = 4.6, Rim Diam = 5.7, Max Diam = 9.2