Description
Super Rare Haida Rattle‑Top Basket
Date: Late 19th Century Price: $1,950 USD
A super rare early Haida rattle‑top lidded basket, woven with exceptional precision from split spruce root and decorated with dyed bear grasses using the traditional false‑embroidery technique. This large, round example—measuring 3″ x 5 5/8″—is a standout piece of late 19th‑century Haida basketry, combining technical mastery with a highly distinctive cultural feature: small pebbles woven into the lid to create the characteristic rattle sound.
Materials & Dimensions
- Materials: Split spruce root; dyed red and green bear grasses
- Dimensions: 3″ height × 5 5/8″ diameter
- Weave: Vertical stitch count exceeding 20 stitches per inch, indicating a highly skilled maker
Design & Technique
The basket’s periphery and lid are encircled by striking red and green false‑embroidery designs, produced through the complex overlay method characteristic of Haida weavers. The decoration remains crisp and visually strong, with the natural pigments showing gentle mellowing consistent with great age.
Rattle‑Top Feature
Haida rattle‑top baskets are extremely scarce, prized for their cultural uniqueness and the technical ingenuity required to incorporate pebbles into the lid. When shaken, the basket produces a soft, distinctive rattle—an identifying hallmark of this rare form.
Condition
The basket is in excellent condition, with no repairs or damages. The weave is tight and stable, the lid fits cleanly, and the dyed bear grass retains strong color presence despite natural aging.
