Melon-Shaped Basket with Beaded Design

Ira Blount

This natural-colored, melon-shaped basket is woven in a plain weave. While most of the basket’s body comprises wood splints, six thin, round reeds near the handle (three on either side) add variety and texture to the piece. The handle is accented with black, red, purple, white, and green glass beads. The contrast between the natural splints, reeds, and glass beads draws attention to artist Ira Blount’s materials. He has expressed ambivalence over the conveniences of modern society, preferring handmade objects which “have unlimited benefits.” In this basket, Blount takes advantage of commercially available materials while also practicing basketmaking traditions.