Name/Title
Strainer, WheyEntry/Object ID
2024.15.1Description
Birch root cheese basket strainer from Sweden. Made of braided roots in the circa early 1900s.Context
Baskets made of birch roots are made using a technique called “root binding”. Birch roots were often used for food handling as they do not leave a taste. The bark is scraped off, then softened in water. Dried roots cannot be used, as they will break. This technique is traditionally used by the Sámi people who are Indigenous to the northern areas of Norway, Sweden, Finland and Russia. Basket-making is part of a long history of Sámi handicraft, which combines function with art. Today, root crafting is primarily used for decoration. Root binding was traditionally performed by women. Cheese baskets made using the root binding technique used holes in the bottom that allowed the cheese whey to be squeezed out and give the cheese a beautiful pattern. The cheese is commonly made from cow, goat or reindeer milk.
Purchased by the donor's mother, Carol J. Morton who was an antique collector.Acquisition
Accession
2024.15Source or Donor
Mikel Y. MooreAcquisition Method
DonationCredit Line
Gift of Mikel Y. MooreMade/Created
Date made
circa 1900 - circa 1940Time Period
20th CenturyPlace
Country
SwedenRegion
Northern EuropeContinent
EuropeLexicon
LOC Thesaurus for Graphic Materials
Cheese, Food, Eating & drinkingDimensions
Height
4-1/4 inDiameter
7-1/2 inReproductions
Notes
Reproduction of the Museum's artifacts for publication, commercial use, or distribution requires written permission.
