Cylindrical Reed Basket

1985

This basket is cylindrical in shape and lacks a handle. The wood splint rim is double-lashed and shows evidence of a slightly uneven resinous coating. The body combines wood splints, round reeds, and double plied twisted seagrass cord to create depth and texture. The weave and the shape suggest the storage possibilities for this basket. Artist Ira Blount has remarked that “nowadays, we’ll run to the store and buy something– which, I guess, has its benefits. But, if it’s something that you made, it has unlimited benefits.” This basket serves as a reminder of basketry’s utilitarian past, as well as the many uses of handmade items. Blount wrote his initials and the number “85” on the bottom, likely a reference to the year it was created.