The image galleries and the actual categories are under construction at this time. Categories may appear somewhat arbitrary but assignments place the basket within the collection in a meaningful way . The gallery called "Decorative Baskets"  for example, includes baskets of various utilitarian uses for which I find their decoration to be their most outstanding feature.

Photos.  All but a few gallery photos were taken in natural light in an effort to best render the true colors of the objects.  Any color variations between photos of the same basket are the results of changes in sunlight, not artificial manipulation of the images. All photos are unretouched and copyrighted 2005. Please contact us via email if you would like to use any of our images.

Materials.  Whether the willow is visible or not, virtually all the baskets “foundations” are willow rods/coils. While I have an ever growing appreciation and knowledge of the collection and its component pieces, I am not an expert in basket making or in identifying all the raw materials used in their construction. Because they are natural and not treated with synthetic dyes, there can be relatively wide variation in color from one piece to another. When uncertain of the precise plant materials used, I made my best guess and noted it with ‘??’ in the detailed catalogue descriptions.

Dimensions. All diameters noted are the largest diameter of the piece. For example, a bottleneck basket noted as 7” dia. would be seven inches at the shoulder not the smaller base or neck.

Descriptions. I have made an effort to describe each piece and its decorative patterns precisely enough that the piece could be distinguished without a photograph and, in the creation of these virtual galleries, permit me to accurately link its photograph and descriptive information.

Characterizations of ornamental symbols are as orally related by Lena to family members and as subsequently remembered. In other words, they may not all be “correct “ in terms of what today’s ethnographers (or even the original artist) might attribute to them.

The age of a piece, when noted, is estimated conservatively and only then if backed up by oral history and/or period photographic evidence.

Terminology. Conditions noted are my own standard and are explained as follows.

Flawless: Mint condition. No visible wear.

Superior: Like new, near mint. Minor aging or barely visible wear.

Very Good: Limited wear, which will be noted.

Good: Normal wear given use and age, which will be noted.

Fair: Significant wear, imperfections and/or noticeable wear, which will be noted.

Antique:  Known, through family oral history or documented by photograph to have been made or collected at least 100 years ago.   

Please enjoy your visit and if you have questions, suggestions, corrections or insights you'd like to share to make the galleries more valuable to visitors, drop us an email. Your input is appreciated.