Shopping in Style
Of course, reusable shopping bags and baskets are nothing new. But there are few examples to rival this basket made in the 1800s from ash splints, sweet grass and cotton fibre. The Mi’kmaq were practicing twill and checker plaiting of cedar barks – possibly even wicker-weave basketry techniques – prior to 1600. But the real surge in basket weaving came much later. Beginning in the 1800s, Mi’kmaw people were producing an impressive array of baskets for settlers as well as for export.
Object type:
Shopping Basket
Object #:
1981.69.2
Collection name:
Curator:
Date (age/made):
19th Century
Origin/place:
Nova Scotia
Materials:
Ash splints, sweet grass, cotton fibre
Dimensions:
40 mm x 14 mm x 39 mm