Extremely Fine Antique Penobscot Sweetgrass and Ash Splint Basket fishing boat unexpected surprise

unexpected surprise

but it might shine up a bit more)

the squiggly line for a mouth

I believe the name of its former owner is carved into the end of the handle

I don't know a ton about the history of photography

Extremely Fine Antique Penobscot Sweetgrass and Ash Splint Basket fishing boat unexpected surpriseWhile I do love the fancy curlicues and colorful dyed splints of MicMac baskets, at the end of the day it's a very fine braided and woven antique Penobscot Northeast Coast Native American basket like this one Shaker like in its material integrity that really takes my breath away. And this one is as finely done as any I've seen, I'd guess dating to the late 19th century. For its age, it is in very good condition, with all of its braids firmly in place,