Miniature Covered Basket

Dateca. 1880

OriginAmerica, Connecticut or Massachusetts

MediumWood splints probably black ash; commercial pigments (red probably Spanish brown; blue probably laundry bluing)

DimensionsOverall: 3 5/8 x 5 1/8 x 3 1/4in. (9.2 x 13 x 8.3cm)

Credit LineMuseum Purchase

Object number1973.708.8,A-B

DescriptionMiniature rectangular-based basket that slopes inward towards the top. Separate cover. Warps vary from 1/2" to 3/4" wide. Except on the top surface of the cover, every second and third weft is narrower (about 1/16" wide), forming a pleasing weave pattern.

Artist/Maker unidentified.
Label TextThe basket's maker is believed to have been a Native American, probably a Schaghticoke or a Mahican, and the basket itself is thought to have been made in the border area of Northwest Connecticut-Southwest Massachusetts.
ProvenanceAt some point prior to Cox (CWF's source), this basket was owned by Mary Allis (251 Main St., Southport, Conn. 06490).