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The Basketry and Textile Research Center was made possible by grants from The National Endowment for the Humanities ($700,000), The National Science Foundation ($155,000), and The National Endowment for the Arts ($20,000).
We've moved! Basketry and Textile Research Center Project Update
After three years of daily trips in the museum van, the relocation of the North American basket collection is complete. The museum now boasts a state-of-the-art study and storage facility for its world-renowned collection of 10,000 North American baskets and over 10,000 international textiles. Meticulously planned, the 18,600-square foot room is furnished with climate control equipment, compactor storage units, and space for researchers and staff.
The relocation afforded museum staff the first opportunity to sort and upgrade the storage of many of the North American baskets since the museum first occupied Kroeber Hall in 1959. Checked against a print-out of the catalogue, each basket was digitally photographed, packed, moved, unpacked, and placed on the shelves of the new off-campus facility. From the most fragile baskets-extremely fine but often brittle Aleutian examples from the Arctic, to the sturdiest coiled storage baskets from the Southwest and huge open-work burden baskets from California, each specimen was transferred with great care and arrived safely in their new home.
Kashmir shawls from India, hundred year old silk turbans from Persia, and brilliantly colored and rare Mexican Saltillo serapes were among the objects transported on specially engineered carts. Now most of this impressive world textile collection can be stored unfolded on large flat screens or rolled on giant acid-free tubes, as recommended by museum conservators.
More than 80 volunteers and interns assisted basket and textile move staff with the entire process. Together with the University's provision of the space and environmental control equipment, the support of three major national grant making agencies, and the countless hours of hard work, the efforts will ensure the long-term preservation of these important collections and make them accessible, now and for future generations.
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