Featured Mini Native Baskets Makah or Nootka

Hi,
3 mini baskets, sizes 2 1/2", 1 3/4" and 1 1/4". I think these are Makah or Nootka - is there a way to tell the difference? From the small square on the base would these be older?
Any information appreciated!
thanks for looking

 

I'm sure one of our basket brainiacs will come along and tell you with a single glance, but in the mean time...

Does this help? It's one person's opinion about differentiating the two.
https://www.rubylane.com/item/197251-245/Northwest-Indian-Basket-Small-Oval-Nootka
Very pretty.
Gila

EDIT
Ooooh, and here is a whole bunch to which you could compare yours!
http://www.antiqueamericanindianart.com/store/c55/Makah_-_Nootka_-_Quinault.html

 

Thanks gila I'll check those links out!

 

Older Makah did use smaller starts, but I don't think these are old enough for that to be very relevant. These starts look rather like Nootka (Nuu-Chah-Nulth) as opposed to Makah, but I'm not real good at telling them apart, and I could be wrong. I think Nootka often used smaller starts also, or started without an obvious square of cedar-bark.
It is always safe to refer to them as "Nootka/Makah" if selling, because the styles are so similar.

Dating is hard, because the dyes fade quickly when exposed to sun, so an old basket kept out of the light may look quite new, while a new one kept in the light may look quite old. Use of raffia indicates post-1930, and baskets older than 1930 do show variations in style that relate to the period in which they were made. But I might guess these are 1960s to 1980s, unless a better opinion comes along.
I really shouldn't guess at the age, but all three are quite elegantly done,
Here's an article from the Burke Museum.
http://www.burkemuseum.org/static/baskets/artists/trinket.html

And here are some Burke search results with lots of interesting articles;
http://www.burkemuseum.org/search/?q=nuu chah nulth basket

Nuu-Chah-Nulth baskets:
http://www.burkemuseum.org/research...ure/collections/database/browse.php?ID=134000

Makah baskets:
http://www.burkemuseum.org/research...ure/collections/database/browse.php?ID=133998

 

Thanks for all the information all_fakes The date sounds good to me.
I didn't notice until looking at the photos these must have placed where the sun hit the tops as comparing the inside to the outside there is considerable fading.

 

The dyes are so prone to fading that it is quite common to have a top more faded than the sides, or faded on one side but bright on the other. One sometimes sees them with the colors totally gone, which certainly affects value. These are nice and bright on the sides though, and the top of the smallest one is still pretty bright.
Nootka/Makah baskets should always be stored out of direct sun, and ideally would be in a dark room or cabinet where they were lit only when being viewed.

 

You know... they really should make cabinets with that anti-sunlight stuff... the kind of un-glass glass they frame valued prints with. Beautiful stuff should be able to be on display...
I couldn't do without my Lear toucan's presence during my day...

 

thanks all-fakes!

 

Makah...plaited cedar bark base, flares out in 4 directions..



Nootka.. bundled cedar base , flares out in a spiral....




I refer you to an earlier discussion ......

https://www.antiquers.com/threads/3-native-baskets-help.2755/

 

Thanks komokwa, that seems simple enough!

 

There are always exceptions to the rule........but that's the rule !

 

So, they are Makah.
Thanks Komo, I figured someone smarter would be along. And now I know better!

 

Told ya!!!

 

No, they are Nootka....like you suggested..!
( I was not being clear.....as sometimes happens..)

 

Thanks!

 

for you.......anything, anywhere, anytime !!!
Take care Steve !