19th Century Traditional Hand-Woven Northeastern American Wood Splint Gathering Basket.

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Wood splint baskets are a hallmark of traditional North American folk art, particularly in the Northeastern United States and Canada. … Read more Wood splint baskets are a hallmark of traditional North American folk art, particularly in the Northeastern United States and Canada. These baskets were typically crafted from black ash or white ash, which were split into thin, flexible strips to create durable containers for gathering and storage. The craft was often a seasonal activity, blending indigenous weaving techniques with European settlers' utility needs.

Gathering baskets like this one were essential tools for rural households, used for everything from harvesting berries to collecting eggs. The quality of a basket is judged by the tightness of the weave and the strength of the handle attachment. While many were utilitarian, those with signatures or exceptional patina are highly sought after by primitive collectors. See less