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Rescued from under a pile of junk at the Goodwill bins is a rare, authentic vintage/antique Eastern Band Cherokee storage basket hand-woven from native rivercane. This striking piece features a mathematically complex geometric design known as the traditional “Man in a Coffin" (or Man in a Casket) pattern with the distinctive stepped blocks running continuously along a diagonal axis down the basket walls.
The basket showcases a classic, highly sought-after native vegetal dye palette. The rich, glossy dark brown strands are dyed using black walnut hulls, while the reddish-purple tones are derived from native bloodroot dye. The cream accents display the brilliant natural outer silica layer of the untreated rivercane.
This information is based on my research, but I am still learning so please feel free to correct me.
📐 MEASUREMENTS:
* Height:** Approx. 12.2 inches (Standing flat)
* Base:** Approx. 8 inches x 8 inches (Square base transitioning to a round rim)
* Top Rim Diameter:** Approx. 10.25 inches across
🔍 TRANSPARENT CONDITION REPORT (Please Review Carefully):
This basket is being offered in as-is, untouched vintage/antique condition, exactly as rescued from heading to the landfill. It shows significant signs of age, storage wear, and localized structural trauma:
1. Structural Corner Fracture: One lower corner has suffered a distinct impact or stress break, causing splits and breaks to multiple individual rivercane strands. This fracture goes through the wall and is visible from both the exterior and the interior (see detailed condition photos).
2. Storage Lean / Asymmetry: Due to the material failure along that damaged corner seam, the basket has a pronounced lean and sits lopsided when placed on a flat surface.
3. Minor Splits: There is a tiny secondary single-strand fracture along an upper wall and minimal surface scuffing consistent with age and utility.
Note to Collectors: No repairs, glues, or modifications have been attempted. The basket is completely honest and uncleaned, retaining its original historic patina. It remains an exceptional display piece or an ideal candidate for professional archival stabilization.
Please review all high-resolution photos closely, as they serve as the primary visual description of the item's condition.
📦 SHIPPING & HANDLING:
The basket will be packed with extreme care and shipped in a spacious, sturdy box to prevent any shifting or further pressure on the cane splints. Fully insured shipping via USPS Priority Mail or UPS Ground.
