Antique Native American Lidded Basket Wabanaki Sweetgrass w Curly Ash Splint

This is an antique Native American lidded basket, beautifully crafted with braided sweetgrass and ash splint and adorned with a border of curled splints around both the lid and base. This style of coiled-and-splint construction, with decorative curls, is most closely associated with Wabanaki basket makers of the Northeastern woodlands. Wabanaki peoples include the Penobscot, Passamaquoddy, Maliseet, and Mi’kmaq, who are known for their fine splint and sweetgrass basketry traditions.

The basket displays the distinctive features valued in early Wabanaki work: finely braided sweetgrass, warm patina from age, and meticulous hand-formed curled splint embellishments. The lid is fully original and fits well to the base, which is also finished with a carefully woven sweetgrass bundle. The bottom and interior show traditional splint construction techniques.

This example shows its age in a truly appealing way—an authentic survivor with character. Please note minor expected wear and a couple of small breaks to the splints, consistent with age and use (see photos), really nothing of note. These early baskets were labor-intensive to make, requiring harvesting and preparing splint from black ash, braiding sweetgrass by hand, and forming decorative curls one by one. A wonderful piece for collectors of Indigenous basketry, folk art, or early Northeastern craft.

Measurements

Diameter (to curled edging): 8 inches

Height: 3 1/2 inches

A beautiful and very old basket that speaks to the artistry and skill of the Wabanaki people. These antique Native American lidded baskets are increasingly scarce and deeply appreciated today for their cultural importance and exquisite hand-workmanship.