352 COILED BASKETRY IN BRITISH COLUMBIA [ETH. ANN. 41 
than others and there was some latitude in the degree of wall flare, 
but on the whole their contours were alike. There were also circular 
baskets like the Thompson kettles which Were used for cooking, 
round baskets and bowls, as well as nut shapes of various sizes which 
when small were used to hold trinkets or tools, or if large, for storage 
purposes. The informants were doubtful about the existence of 
coiled cups and trays, but said these were certainly made of birch 
bark. They were not sure whether any of the trunk-shaped (.stlak) 
baskets were manufactured in their tribe. 
Other informants said that flat coils were not used, but that the 
round coils were constructed like the Thompson of splints of cedar or 
spruce root. The bottoms were of the watch-spring and elongated 
types. The people are doubtful if the other varieties were made. 
The rims were plain and often made of thicker coil than the basket 
walls, in order to increase their durability. It is thought that fancy 
baskets were not made, but that the Shuswap in some parts of the 
country produced small round workbaskets like the Thompson nut 
shapes. 
For imbrication they believe the same kind of grass was employed 
that was used by the Thompson and Chilcotin. It was generally 
left in its natural white color, but sometimes was dyed red and 
yellow. The bark used for imbricating they say was like that 
used by the other tribes. As for quills being employed for em- 
broidery on baskets, they were very uncertain, but remembered that 
they were sewed on the rims of some birch bark specimens. Beading 
and imbrication were both common and the amount of decoration 
ranged from surfaces entirely covered to those which were totally 
bare, relying for their attractiveness on the bifurcated stitches. It 
is claimed that some bifurcating was executed in bands which en- 
hanced the decorative effect, but on this point again the people are 
very uncertain. 
RELATION OF ImpricaATED Basketry TO OTHER Forms 
We shall now turn to a consideration of the relation between the 
imbricated basketry of the Thompson, Lillooet, and other north- 
western tribes and compare the art with that of the Californian 
basket-making tribes and that of the Tlingit of Alaska. We shall 
also note what may have been the influence of the Plains, where, 
although baskets are not made, a colorful and striking art prevails, 
which finds expression in exquisite beadwork and the gaily painted 
leather parfléches. It must have made a. profound impression 
wherever it was encountered. 
60 See James A. Teit, The Shuswap, Publications of the Jesup North Pacific Expedition, Vol. II, fig. 217. 
