Makah Neah Bay Washington Basket

Mid 20th Century

1.5″ H x 2″ D

Hand Woven with Man Riding Whale and Fisherman in Boat Design Third Quarter Century Lidded Trinket Basket

Excellent Condition

Makah baskets evolved from utilitarian objects to include decorative forms, especially after contact with European settlers. In the 1860s, as trade and tourism grew, Makah women at Neah Bay developed a cottage industry producing small, colorful “trinket baskets” for sale to visitors and collectors. These were labor-intensive, fully twined pieces made primarily from twisted cedar bark, often dyed with natural or commercial pigments for polychrome designs featuring geometric patterns, animals (like whales or seagulls), or feathers. Production peaked through the 1930s, with thousands of baskets woven annually, though the introduction of mass-produced goods reduced traditional output. Today, basketry persists as both a cultural practice and an art form, with modern weavers incorporating contemporary elements while honoring ancestral methods.

The Treaty of Neah Bay (1855) secured Makah rights to their lands and resources, including fishing and whaling, which influenced their material culture. Archaeological evidence from sites like Ozette (a preserved Makah village) highlights ancient basketry techniques. The Makah Cultural and Research Center in Neah Bay houses artifacts and offers exhibits on this heritage, open year-round except major holidays.with various animals.