BOAS] STRUCTURE OF BASKETS 181 
In oblong baskets the spiral coil always ends on one of the long sides 
near a corner. This is a very old custom and still holds. It is also 
true for all oval shapes. On a burden basket the side on which the 
coil ends is always placed next the bearer’s back and the loops which 
hold the pack straps are adjusted accordingly. This is also an old 
custom. One informant states that as baby carriers are always 
held so that the head of the child lies toward the right hand of the 
bearer, the coil should always end on what would be the baby’s 
right side as it lies on its back. No reason except that of custom has 
been obtained as to why the finishing point on a basket should not 
be exposed in carrying. 
Rims 
There are three types of rims—plain, braided, and loopwork— 
and the last named has many variations. The current opinion among 
the people is that the plain rim 
covered by the ordinary ‘‘overcast- 
ing’’ is the oldest type. Certainly 
it is the most common one. A 
heavier foundation frequently, but 
not always, distinguishes the rim 
coil from the others, the usual 
reason given for the increase being 
that thereby additional strength is 
gained. But, as was indicated 
before, there are individuals who 
realize that the dimension of the 
coil has no effect upon its wearing 
qualities. There are also two 
kinds of plain rims, the one which 
is merely a continuation of the wall 
coil, and which is finished off usually by a gradual reduction in size 
until it disappears almost imperceptibly; and the ring coil, with which 
this ordinary ending is sometimes capped. The ends of the ring coil 
are spliced together, and the whole is covered with the sewing splint so 
that the joint is completely hidden. To make a ring of exactly the 
right size and to conceal the joint demands very neat execution. On 
some specimens there are several of these rings, one above the other, 
but the number depends entirely upon the fancy of the maker. 
They lend a much neater finish, and if the wall coil is properly gradu- 
ated in size, the top is practically horizontal. Figure 12 illustrates 
the finishing point of the spiral coil and shows two ring coils above. 
In spite of their merits, they have not been universally adopted, and 
many have attempted them only within the last few years. The 
Lower Thompson, according to their own account, adopted them 
Fic. 12.—Rim consisting of two ring coils 
