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Antique Nootka Lidded Basket c.1900 Sea Wolf Motif Northwest Coast

$2,250
£1,701.21
€1,991.75
CA$3,201.19
A$3,256.20
CHF 1,868.72
MX$39,143.30
NOK 21,798.60
SEK 22,003.81
DKK 14,890.14

About the Item

This exceptional antique lidded basket, created by a Nootka (Nuu-chah-nulth) artist of the Northwest Coast circa 1900, is a rare and highly collectible example of Indigenous basketry that seamlessly blends function, symbolism, and refined craftsmanship. Works from this period are especially prized for their cultural authenticity and strong visual presence. Expertly woven from natural fibers—likely cedar root and bark—the basket demonstrates the tight, precise weaving techniques characteristic of Nuu-chah-nulth artisans. Its compact, lidded form reflects a tradition of finely made containers used for storage, trade, and personal belongings, particularly during a period when smaller, portable baskets became increasingly popular. The surface is adorned with a striking painted Sea Wolf (Wasgo) motif rendered in bold red pigment. This powerful crest figure—combining elements of wolf and killer whale—is deeply significant in Northwest Coast visual culture, symbolizing strength, transformation, and connections between the natural and spiritual worlds. The graphic, curvilinear design aligns with the broader artistic language of the region, where form, symmetry, and storytelling are intricately intertwined. The fitted lid enhances both the form and rarity of the piece, creating a cohesive sculptural object with strong display appeal. Lidded examples from the early 20th century are comparatively less common and were often made with heightened attention to detail, sometimes for trade or as finely crafted personal items. This basket retains a rich, warm patina with age-appropriate wear, including minor surface wear to the pigment—consistent with its age and use. The structure remains sound, and the painted design is still bold and legible, contributing to its overall authenticity and desirability. Compact yet visually impactful, this piece functions today as both an important ethnographic artifact and a striking decorative object—equally suited for collectors of Native American art, Northwest Coast material culture, or refined interior displays.
  • Creator:
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 3.5 in (8.89 cm)Diameter: 5.5 in (13.97 cm)
  • Style:
    Native American (In the Style Of)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    circa 1900
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use.
  • Seller Location:
    Denver, CO
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: 264471stDibs: LU1004630222882

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