Early Vintage Mattapoisett Basket, likely by Gladys Ellis, Mid 20th Century, a hand-crafted basket modeled after a Nantucket purse, having a flat oval "clamshell" lid hinged above an oval body, made of hand-stitched longleaf pine needles and raffia in braided and lace-like arrangements, with two braided raffia handles, a stitched hinge, and a silk lined interior, not signed. This is one of her very early baskets made before she started adding ivory tops and fixtures.
The basket remains in strong original condition with no discernible breaks to the weave. There may have once been a loop closure at one point.
Measures: 5-1/4 in H x 9 in L x 6-1/4 in W
A local adaptation of a Nantucket basket first designed by Gladys Ellis (Mattapoisett: 1917 – 2011). The Mattapoisett basket is made in the shape and nature of a Nantucket basket, but uses southern yellow or longleaf pine needles and raffia coiled and sewn on a frame with a lace-like effect, often incorporating scrimshaw panels on the top and sides, sometimes as well as clasps and handle knobs...
Category
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Other Bowls and Baskets