212 COILED BASKETRY IN BRITISH COLUMBIA  [ern. ann. 41 
The general shape of the baby carrier is shown in Plates 42, i, 
and 48, a, b. 
PROPORTIONS OF BURDEN BASKETS 
In order to understand the characteristic application of designs to 
different surfaces, which is one of the most important questions to be 
considered, it is necessary to concentrate particularly on the burden 
baskets, which are probably the most numerous of the various forms 
on which these people lavish their art. On account of the pecul- 
iarly shaped fields that they offer for decoration they furnish the 
best opportunities for study, and a closer analysis has been at- 
tempted which will furnish the necessary basis for the study of 
their ornamentation. 
In dealing with the proportions of various kinds of baskets it is 
interesting to note the degree of correspondence between what the 
basket makers themselves consider proper and what are actually 
the proportions arrived at in the products which they complete. 
Personal opinion regarding shapes and parts of baskets varies con- 
siderably. The variation, however, is not sufficient to disturb the 
fact that baskets of certain types, such as burden baskets, do bear 
a striking resemblance one to another. This is the more remark- 
able since not all the makers have definite proportions in view; 
inaccuracies of workmanship affect the resultant form; and measure- 
ments, when made at all, are approximate only. Furthermore, some 
of the most obvious proportions between dimensions have never 
been observed by the people themselves,* and in regard to others 
the claims of the makers are contradicted by actual observation. 
We shall first note the opinions of the people themselves as re- 
corded by Mr. Teit and thus gain an insight into their methods 
before discussing the results of an objective study of the baskets. 
The same three experts who were questioned regarding “nut- 
shaped”’ baskets approved as of average size and correct proportions 
four baskets, two called by them spa’pEnrk (see p. 197) and two 
classed as spa’nék (see p. 197), the measurements of which are as 
follows: 
24 These points will appear more clearly from a study of the lists of measurements for some museum 
specimens given in the appendix (pp. 416 et seq.), together with some statements from recognized tribal 
authorities on basket making regarding correct proportions. (See also p. 220.) 
