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Painted vertical stripes decorate this cat head basket.
Images (click to enlarge)
Baskets, Cultural Objects

Striped Cat Head Basket

People
Maker/Creator: Unknown
Associated Person: Bertha Frances Mannon
Date
Unknown
Places
Wills Ridge (Alum Ridge District)
Material/Medium

Poplar

Specifications
  • Diameter (base): 3 inches
  • Diameter (rim): 5 inches
  • Height of weaving: 3 inches
  • Height with handle: 5 inches
Description

This split basket is a “cat head” design with bottom corners pulled to points similar in appearance to a cat’s ears. The handle has loosened over time and some of the lashing is missing around the rim. Alternating stakes were painted black after the body of the basket was woven but before the rim was added. One side has an small split inserted over the painted central stake (opposite side may have matched it originally).

Keywords
cat head basket, split basket
Bio Sketch

Bertha Frances Mannon (1906-2001) was the daughter of William Namon and Emma Jane Woodie Mannon.

Notes

Similar style baskets have been attributed to a Pulaski County weaver.