This is one of those, \"I can\'t believe I\'m selling this but...\" baskets. Up for sale is a very old medium-large sized Northeastern Indian splint ash storage basket. This basket has terrific detailing, with its fine and even splints and its nice sturdy solid construction. The basket features a bentwood ash frame, its original lid, and ash weavers filling in the sides. The weaver added in wrapped criss-crossed handles on the lid, a hallmark of Maliseet basket weaving. Two more little handles are on the sides. The base of the basket is oblong, morphing to an oval rim. This is definitely a very old basket, made in the 1800s. This was one of those storage baskets the Indians would peddle door-to-door to the white settlers of the region to earn a few dimes of cash money, and as you can imagine not many of these baskets survived. This beautifully woven old Maliseet Indian basket is truly good enough to be a worthy addition to a museum collection.

The basket, as noted, was made for actual storage, measuring 11½\" x 8½\" across at the base and is 10\" deep to the top of the handles on the lid. It\'s in just outstanding condition for its age, with the following flaws to point out: Although all handles are still attached to the basket, one on the side and one on the lid have each become unattached on one end. And there are a few tiny pieces of missing splint throughout the body of the basket. But considering its advanced age, this basket is really in phenomenal shape. I have taken lots of photos of all sides so you can see its appearance from all angles. A beautiful and unusual antique Indian basket!

Additional Notes: I will be happy to provide discounted shipping for multiple items. Please don\'t hesitate to email me if you have any questions, and please take a look at my other sales I\'m listing today to see some more great vintage baskets.

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Click here to read my guide on Indian baskets.