Green and Brown Hen Basket

Object Details

Artist
Ira Blount
Date
1983
Medium
wood splint, reed, dye
Dimensions
12 1/2 × 12 3/16 × 8 1/4 in. (31.7 × 31 × 21 cm)
Cite As
Gift of Ira Blount
Caption
The handle of this round “hen” basket is continuous with the body, creating a circular shape. Green, brown, and natural-colored reeds and wood splints are woven in a plain weave. Some of the splints have been twisted to provide further texture to the basket. The colors and textures offer a nod to the name and history of this type of basket, which was said to be used to transport chickens: the shape prohibited the animals from flapping their wings and escaping.
After moving to Washington, DC following World War II, 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
2011.0004.0062
Type
basket
See more items in
Anacostia Community Museum Collection
Data Source
Anacostia Community Museum
Restrictions & Rights
CC0
GUID
http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/dl8803679ba-e1ae-4e8b-801b-b8ae86aba61a
Record ID
acm_2011.0004.0062
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