Description: This is a vintage "mingqaq," which means "coiled grass basket" in the Yup'ik language. It was likely made in the area along the Ningliq River in Southwest Alaska in the early 1900's. This is a beach grass basket that is made of coils, it is not woven. The coils spiral upward from the bottom center that forms the beginning of the coil that will continue to wind out and up the basket sides to the top. The stacked coils are sewn together with more fragile grass thread as they climb to the top. The lid is made in the reverse, with the coil beginning at the top finial with smaller coils and enlarging in size as then continue. Finally, they form the lip of the lid that fits perfectly and tightly into the basket. Imbrication, a decorative element, has been added to the sides and lid in red and green geometric patterns. The basket is in nearly flawless condition with a slight sheen that is a characteristic of beach grass. The finish is slightly dusty for age but there are no broken or frayed fibers and it is still strong and clean. The colors of the designs are brilliant on the inside of the basket where it has been protected from sunlight and fading. It is 10" H x 9.5" W.
Price: 425 USD
Location: Cashiers, North Carolina
End Time: 2024-09-30T20:43:24.000Z
Shipping Cost: N/A USD
Product Images
Item Specifics
All returns accepted: ReturnsNotAccepted
Tribal Affiliation: Yupik
Country/Region of Manufacture: United States
Culture: Native American: US
Handmade: Yes
