Centre Acadien, Université Sainte-Anne

Acadian baskets – In the early 17th century, when the first Acadian settlers came to Nova Scotia, they brought with them many skills needed to make a living in the New World – including the making of baskets. Their baskets were distinctive: round-rimmed, with an overhand handle, held together with a 4-point diamond wrap into which ribs were set for the shape of the basket. This peasant basket- style was known in France as “très ancienne” and “vannerie rustique”. The mouth was called “la bouche” and the opposing wraps were the ears, that is, “les oreilles” (terminology used by Belgian Walloon and Acadian basketmakers).

Acadians today acknowledge that the survival of their ancestral settlers is in part thanks to the Mi’kmaq people. Although the Mi’kmaq did not make this style of basket, they may have introduced the Acadians to the wonders of using spruce roots, which are long, easily gathered, can be readily de-barked and split for weaving, and are plentiful in Atlantic Canada. During the Deportation, many Acadians escaped exile by fleeing to northern New Brunswick and to Newfoundland, settling near Mi’kmaw communities. They grew what they ate, including potatoes, which they gathered in their baskets.

Over the years, Acadian communities lost their basketmakers, except in Nova Scotia’s District of Clare, where George Saulnier (1920-2015), who grew up in Hectanooga, continued to keep the craft alive. George learned how to make baskets by watching his father and grandfather. His family made baskets for themselves, for others, and for barter. He strove to keep the craft alive by teaching others and participating in the book-length study Acadian Root Baskets of Atlantic Canada (Joleen Gordon). George died knowing the craft had been preserved – taught to others in workshops and celebrated in his community.

Made by Georges, the basket seen here differs slightly from the traditional model as it has eight, rather then two ears. A basket owned by Kathleen Boudreau, of Concessions, NS, which was brought here from Sweden by her grand-mother, was the source of inspiration for this piece.

Topic: Arts and Culture

Date: [between 2000 and 2010]

Reference: Centre acadien object Collection Centre Acadien Object 491

For more information, visit the Centre Acadien website.