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Baskets, Cultural Objects
General McAlexander Rib Basket (small)
People
Maker/Creator: General Washington McAlexanderDate
UnknownPlaces
Bethlehem, Pilot ((Little River District)Material/Medium
White oak
Specifications
- Diameter (ear-to-ear): 9 inches
- Diameter (opposite): 9 inches
- Height of weaving: 5 inches
- Height with handle: 10 inches
Description
This white oak rib basket has a double rim secured with figure-eight lashing. The rims are overlapped and secured to the handle with red twine and nails. Its ribs are widely spaced and flattened. The weaver splits are evenly spaced from the ears (starting points) until the final rows in the center of the bottom; there gaps remain.
Keywords
rib basket, egg basketBio Sketch
General Washington McAlexander (1904-1999) and his wife Minnie Lee Bowman McAlexander grew up in Patrick County but spent most of their married life in Floyd County where they brought up their children Arthur, Archie, and Minnie Ruth. Two daughters, Hazel and Sarah Lou, died very young.
Notes
General and Minnie McAlexander were of a generation that took great satisfaction in doing for themselves. They grew large gardens and farmed while working at “public works” jobs. General built some of their furniture and took up basket making in his later years. He was known to stand on his oak baskets to demonstrate how stout they were.