Basket (taba)
Production date
1989
Country
Australia
State/Province
Queensland
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Object detail
Description
Diagonal single element plain weave basket with a handle extending from both ends.
Classification
INDIGENOUS CULTURES Melanesian & South Sea Islander basket
Maker
Production date
1989
Production place
Measurements
Weight:239g
Length:1210mm
Width:270mm
Length:1210mm
Width:270mm
Media/Materials description
Coconut leaf and midrib of leaf.
History and use
A taba basket is used for one of two purposes: firstly, for collecting household dirt, which is swept from the hut into the basket. The basket is then carried by two children to a rubbish tip. One child will let go of the handle, and the basket will be swung from one end, emptying it of dirt.
Alternatively, the basket is used as a prepared food holder. Cooked food is placed in this basket on the floor of a village hut. If the basket is green, banana leaves will be placed between the food and the basket.
On the island of Pentecost in Vanuatu, many families now eat from commercially manufactured plates, however the taba basket is still utilized extensively for rubbish collection.
This item is part of Alice Hunai’s collection of Vanuatu material culture, created in the 1980s.
Alternatively, the basket is used as a prepared food holder. Cooked food is placed in this basket on the floor of a village hut. If the basket is green, banana leaves will be placed between the food and the basket.
On the island of Pentecost in Vanuatu, many families now eat from commercially manufactured plates, however the taba basket is still utilized extensively for rubbish collection.
This item is part of Alice Hunai’s collection of Vanuatu material culture, created in the 1980s.
Associated person
Registration number
QE25616
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