Food basket

Segment of coconut frond is split longitudinally in half along stem, each half frond segment has five leaves attached. Each of these has midrib removed and split in half (creating 10 strips) then split again into four, giving 40 plaiting strips on one half and in total are 80 plaiting strips, 40 on each half frond segment. Looking at the work from one side of the basket 20 plaiting strips on the left hand side provide the dextral strips and the 20 on the right provide the sinistral plaiting strips. Plaited in twill. Braided three-ply edges which has brown hibiscus fibre incorporated part way along extending into the handles. Basket is roughly diamond in shape. Painted with turmeric.

Accession Number

2019.68.839

Other Id

73.868

Department

Pacific