Collected by an early Northern California ranching family in the late 1870's and on display for over one hundred years at the family home, this all original and intact collecting basket was carried on the back of a woman by means of a tump line across her forehead. It is rare to see an example this early that is in such pristine condition as the bottoms of the baskets like these are usually always degraded an broken. Due to its early collection date and preservation this one retains its flexibility and original circular willow edging rod that is separated at only one point thus retaining its original circular form and adhered to the basket with its original intact Native tanned deer hide thong. Suspended from the ceiling beam in the ranch house by means of an early piece of cotton calico cloth. This basket was once used by Native people and is a masterpiece of Pit River artistry. Measuring 20" in diameter and 22" in height, this large ethnographically used burden basket is a true piece of California's Native history, worthy of a museum or a fine basketry collection.
