Shaman Basket, circa 2010

Mimi Kotlarov

This basket is made in the Tlingit style and designed after a shaman basket found in Spruce Root Basketry of the Alaska Tlingit by Francis Paul. The double basket consists of two slightly tapering baskets designed to fit snugly one within the other. The baskets are connected with a spruce root and mountain goat hair cord and could be suspended around the neck. Maidenhair fern creates the false embroidery design in black and red, with plain weave between.

"I appreciate the opportunity to learn these techniques from Holly Churchill. The base around a hole, the chaise around weave, and the diminished warps were all new techniques for me. I also appreciate the gift of the goat hair added to the cord."

                - Mimi Kotlarov

Loan to Ketchikan Museums
L2020.4.43.1