Artifact of the Month: January 2021

Sgúusiid Kigw (Potato Basket)

Selina Peratrovich (1889-1984) dedicated her life to preserving the artistic traditions of the Haida people. Born and raised in the Haida village of Masset, Haida Gwaii in British Columbia, she learned to weave by watching her mother-in-law and became instrumental in the revival of basket weaving in our area. Selina's daughter Delores Churchill and granddaughters Holly Churchill, Evelyn Vanderhoop, and April Varnell are all accomplished weavers.

Basketry aided in the gathering, storage, and preparation of food. This month's featured artifact is a plaited potato basket woven by Selina Peratrovich in 1968. The square-shaped basket is made of red cedar bark with rows of black dyed bark. Along the rim are loops for a rope or cord to be strung through, making the basket capable of carrying a load of potatoes. Black spots inside the basket may be from potato juices, which turn black as potatoes oxidize. The basket was donated to the Tongass Historical Society's collection by Selina's friend, Peter Corey. Peter was the long-time curator of the Sheldon Jackson Museum in Sitka.

The updated 2020 Native Arts Studies Program Instructor and Student Exhibit at the Totem Heritage Center features the continuum of Ketchikan weavers past and present connected with the program. This month's featured artifact and other exquisite baskets can be seen in person Tuesdays-Saturdays from 1-5pm and can also be viewed online as a Virtual Exhibit

Object credit:
Ketchikan Museums: Tongass Historical Society Collection, THS 87.1.17.7

Image caption & credit:
Selina Peratrovich Teaching Spruce Root Basketry at the Totem Heritage Center in 1981.
Ketchikan Museums, KM 81.30.14