Small utility basket of split cane. Herringbone patterns. Potentially Choctaw.

Southeastern basketry is characterized by bright, bold colors and designs. Baskets from the different tribes of the region are often similar, which suggests some uniformity of styles throughout the region. The region, however, can be divided into two distinct styles: the Southeast Periphery, which borders the region and was more influenced by other regions, including the Plains, and the Southeast Heartland. Twill plaiting and plain plaiting are the most common methods to weaving used throughout the Southeast, though other methods, including coiling are also used (Turnbaugh and Turnbaugh 1986, 98-109).

This basket is made out of river cane. A Natchez basket would resemble a Choctaw basket quite closely. The date made is 19th century. The base is square and the top/rim is circular. The basket being double walled is unusual. A double walled basket would have held water or other items much better.

Tags: river cane, double walled, twill plaited, basket
People: possibly Natchez or Choctaw
Places: Mississippi
Purpose: domestic use

From interviews with Dr. Garrick Bailey, 2018-2020 University of Tulsa, Professor Emeritus of Anthropology