Carrying Basket, Micmac, ca. 1870

Contributed by Abbe Museum

Description

This ash splint basket has a cover that is attached by running the handle through the rim. Alternating splints on this basket are dyed green, but the color has faded, and is visible only on the inside.

Look inside a basket decorated with color to estimate its age. Red, yellow, blue, black and green colors may decorate the old baskets. These were dyed with vegetable dyes swabbed onto the outer surface of the splints. Commercial aniline dyes replaced plant dyes in the late 19th century. The splints were soaked completely in the dyestuff, which was available in a variety of bright colors. The colors fade quickly when exposed to light.

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About This Item

  • Title: Carrying Basket, Micmac, ca. 1870
  • Creation Date: circa 1870
  • Subject Date: circa 1870
  • Media: Ash
  • Dimensions: 23 cm x 20 cm x 12.5 cm
  • Local Code: AM091
  • Collection: Anne Molloy Howells Collection
  • Object Type: Physical Object

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For more information about this item, contact:

Abbe Museum
26 Mount Desert Street, PO Box 286, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
(207) 288-3519
Website

Use of this Item is not restricted by copyright and/or related rights, but the holding organization is contractually obligated to limit use. For more information, please contact the contributing organization. However, watermarked Maine Memory Network images may be used for educational purposes.

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