I see a whole lot of Wabanaki baskets as I travel around New England and especially Maine, such that it takes a special one to stop me. This is one of those, which I can feel in my body as well as discern with my eyes. Constructed almost entirely of very finely cut and woven ash splint, but for the incorporation of one area of sweetgrass weaving near the center of the lid. And with one round of "porcupine curls" on the lid, and again around the sides, not one of those curls broken as far as I can see. Beautiful warm patina to the ash (which one can always appreciate in contrast to the original color visible on the interior). Quite finely done, c. 1900.
7 1/4" d x 3 3/16" t. Very good condition, with one small area showing a little darker on the lid and again on the interior, as shown, a bit more pronounced in photos than in hand and which it in fact took me photographing it to notice. One split to one thin splint crossing at the center of the lid, which is invariably the case, and which it took magnification to discern. Overall beautiful antique condition, in sound and sturdy structural condition.
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