Melon-Shaped Basket with Beaded Design
Object Details
- Artist
- Ira Blount
- Medium
- wood splint, reed, glass, waxed linen cord
- Dimensions
- 6 1/4 × 6 11/16 × 6 5/16 in. (15.8 × 17 × 16 cm)
- Cite As
- Gift of Ira Blount
- Caption
- 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.
- In addition to basketry, Ira Blount mastered dozens of artisanal crafts. His love for crafting, learning, and community engagement would endure over the course of his long life and career.
- Accession Number
- 2011.0004.0045
- Type
- basket
- See more items in
- Anacostia Community Museum Collection
- Data Source
- Anacostia Community Museum
- Restrictions & Rights
- CC0
- Metadata Usage
- CC0
- Record ID
- acm_2011.0004.0045
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