Palm Springs Decorative Baskets

This rare Baleen woven basket came from the estate of a wealthy woman who travelled the world volunteering her time for charity work. She was in Alaska in the 1950's and likely purchased this rare piece then. It is signed on the base made by Abe P S Barrow Alaska. Mr. Simmonds work is highly collectible as he was considered a master weaver of baleen. He lived from 1893-1969, so this piece is at least 60 years old. I have not been able to find any works by this master for sale, they only reside in museums and private collections. New baskets sell for thousands this is by a master and is an early example. It is in pristine condition making it a true treasure. A brief explanation ftom the University of oregon's collection follows;
Baleen, also known as “whalebone,” is a tough keratinous substance from the mouths of filter-feeding whales. In texture, it is comparable to modern plastics, and has long been used by Native Arctic peoples to make buckets, cups, and other containers, ice scoops, sled runners, fish line, lashing and nets. Coiled baleen baskets...

A nice vintage carved burl wood bowl. What makes this basket nice is the handle and the form. The carver picked a beautiful piece of burl to star...