Traditional "Spoon" Basket
by Lisa Telford, Haida
twined and plaited red cedar
5.5" high x 7.5" diameter
mint condition
“Years ago in potlatch time everyone would bring their own spoon to a doing. When they returned home they would wash them and store them in a spoon basket.” -Lisa Telford
Lisa Telford is a Git’ans Git’anee Haida weaver. She comes from a long line of weavers including her grandmother, mother, aunt and cousins. Telford learned traditional techniques of Haida basketry from her aunt renowned basket weaver and keeper of tradition Delores Churchill, and Haida cedar garments from her cousin Holly Churchill.
Telford uses red and yellow cedar bark for her work, a material that requires a great deal of skill and months to prepare for weaving. She travels hundreds of miles from her home in Everett, Washington to gather the cedar bark, after which it is prepared and then often stored for up to a year.
With more than twenty-five years of experience meticulously working with cedar bark, Telford has mastered her technique and creates unique and innovative works of art. Though well versed in the traditional arts of Haida basket weaving, she pushes the boundaries of the artform by creating contemporary garments, shoes and objects. Her work serves as a commentary on Native identity, stereotypes and fashion.
Today, Telford leads workshops, demonstrations and classes throughout the Pacific Northwest. She is generous with her time and knowledge, dedicated to guiding her students and apprentices towards the completion of their own work and a better understanding of the cultural and historical context of their practice.
Her weavings can be found in numerous private and public collections including the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian, the Portland Art Museum, the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture, and the Heard Museum.
Artists Statement
I harvest and prepare my own material, using red & yellow cedar bark and spruce root in my work. Harvesting cedar bark takes me hundreds of miles from home and many hours of preparation time. Materials are prepared differently depending on the final product. The bark is traditionally stored for one year and then further processing is required before weaving may start.
My award winning work is done in both contemporary and traditional methods of weaving including twined and plaited. My work encompasses baskets, traditional hats, and cedar bark clothing.
It is important to me to pass on tradition and maintain a high standard of perfection.
“Haida Basketry was essential for survival years ago.
I continue the tradition, celebrating the beauty of nature.”
