Handkerchief Basket

6" x 5" x 2.5"H
This humble basket (circa 1985-1999), inspired by a photograph in a basketry book, is made of simple reed and crudely formed. Before you think I'm being overly modest, look at a very fine example made of sweet grass and brown ash. Its maker, Barbara Francis, a master basket maker from the Penobscot Nation, was featured in a wonderful film, Penobscot Basket Maker. I actually got to meet her when the documentary was shown at a film festival (circa 2005-2007). Tonight, while posting, I started thinking I made up the name of this basket, so I did some online research, and discovered Barbara's website. As I recall, these baskets were made for the tourist trade back in the day when people needed a special place to store a handkerchief. I did find one on eBay from the Victorian era. Even though mine is neither flat nor square enough, I had a lot of fun figuring out how to make it. Perhaps I should use mine for tissues (the contemporary equivalent of a handkerchief, or is it?)! As for Barbara's version with its beautiful materials, circular opening and fitted lid, that's in a class of its own.