Bent Wood Boxes
Product Characteristics
Factors Affecting Price
Construction
WEST COAST OF CANADA
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Boxes were made of western red cedar from one piece of wood.
Boxes were traditionally of varying shapes and sizes.
Served as storage of food, clothing, ceremonial regalia, tools, and many household items.
Specialized items were used as cradles, canteens and coffins.
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The sides of the boxes were made from 1 plank of cedar.
The plank was beveled or kerfed to allow the 4 sides to be bent into a box shape.
After beveling, the plank was steamed, bent and sewn together using cedar roots or wooden pegs.
The bottom was fitted snugly against the sides to create a watertight box. A snug fitting lid was added.
Some boxes were painted and others were elaborately carved but the majority were left undecorated.
Designs on the boxes were based on legends of region.
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Boxes are very labour intensive and difficult to make. The fact that this craft involes a great deal of traditional knowledge and learning adds to its value.
Size of the box adds to price.
Intricacy of the designs also adds to the price of the box..
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