Southern Appalachian Digital Collections

Western Carolina University (20) View all

Basket: rivercane, egg

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  • Small handled baskets like this one are known as egg baskets, although they were certainly used for other purposes. The egg basket, more often made of white oak, is a typical form of the Appalachian region. Baskets such as these were used to gather eggs from hen houses. This basket is woven from rivercane using the traditional Cherokee single weave technique. It was woven upward from a square base, tapering inward to a circular rim. Its carved wood handle is round, making the basket rather unique; handles are more often flat. The interlocking handle is woven into the form, providing strength and stability. Its pattern is an Arrow Point design. The basket's maker and date are unknown.