Sherpa Doka (back basket)

Basket

Humanities Info Card | Updated 10 years ago

An open wickerwork basket made from split bamboo, rattan and rope straps.
Basket F3030
WA Museum
An open wickerwork basket made from split bamboo, rattan and rope straps.
Basket F3030
WA Muesum
A leather headband used to carry the Sherpa Doka.
A leather headband used to carry the Sherpa Doka.
WA Muesum
June's son illustrates how the Sherpa Doka should be worn.June's son illustrates how the Sherpa Doka should be worn.
WA MuseumJune's son illustrates how the Sherpa Doka should be worn.

Registration Number: F3030

Location: Solo khumbu, Nepal

Stitch Type: Seven-step caning

Collection Date: 1970

Description:  An open wickerwork basket made from split bamboo, rattan and rope straps with a leather headband, wooden hooks and rings. It features a long cone shape with rounded bottom and has been blackened with wood smoke from the central cooking fire in a Sherpa house.

Curator Story

 

Termed a 'Sherpa Dhoka' (or Back Basket), the piece was bought near the Namche Bazaar, a large village of around 1600 residents. The baskets headband is worn straight across the forehead to assist in holding a load.