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Penobscot band basket, ca. 1860

Contributed by Hudson Museum, Univ. of Maine
MMN Item 23438 Item Details
Penobscot band basket, ca. 1860
MMN Item 23438 Zoom

Description

This form of basket is referred to as a "band" basket from the brightly colored splints used in the piece.

Cadmium yellow, iron oxide red, Prussian blue and indigo were swabbed onto the exterior surface of the splints only. Such commercially produced pigments were costly and used sparingly.

Band baskets were destined for home use to store hats, clothes or linen, or for use in travel as "suitcases."

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