Posted 14 years ago
emersonest…
(123 items)
According to the web, this is a small basket Tlingit Rattletop basket. It might be made of twined, split spruce roots harvested from living trees. I have been told this is worth thousands but I am not sure. It is about 8" tall and has some great designs. I know my dad paid about thousand dollars for this basket over 20 years ago. I have seen others on the web but I don't know much about it and how some are better than others. Your comments are appreciated.
This is Tlingit, but not a rattletop. Look on my page to see one, I have my miniature up. The "rattle" comes from tiny pebbles woven into the top of the lid so that it rattles when moved or shaken. This is still a VERY nice work of art and I believe it when you say your father paid a grand for this. It has appreciated in value...he knew what he was doing.
Oh, and these baskets CAN be and ARE worth thousands. Tlingit weavers are a rare thing now but they are working to bring back the art. These baskets were woven so beautifully and are so fragile looking but they are strong too, if taken care of. All basketry that is woven of natural materials must be taken care of properly. Keep them out of the sunlight, so the colors do not fade. Keep them out of very dry areas or they can become brittle and the weave can split and or break. These baskets are a rare commodity these days and collectors will snap them up in a second...