Splint Baskets of the Northeast

Splint Baskets of the Northeast

Different people interpret the construction and decoration of Native splint baskets in different ways. Scholars, historians, and descendants of the basket makers have different approaches that may lead to different interpretations of the same Native basket. What is clear, however is that these baskets have much to say about the lives of their makers, indigenous people, and their struggle to maintain an identity in southern New England.
Native-made splint baskets
Collections of Old Sturbridge Village

"Artists might add representations of their own primary considerations - family, tribal members, plants for food and medicine, or the trails and paths traveled" ~ quote by Tantequidgeon & Fawcett

Woodsplint Cover Page Woodsplint Background & History


Different people interpret the construction and decoration of Native splint baskets in different ways. Scholars, historians, and descendants of the basket makers have different approaches that may lead to different interpretations of the same Native basket. What is clear, however is that these baskets have much to say about the lives of their makers, indigenous people, and their struggle to maintain an identity in southern New England.
	Native-made splint baskets Collections of Old Sturbridge Village