Irene McDonald, born Akwesasne Mohawk Reservation, Hogansburg, NY 1940 Search this
Medium:
sweetgrass and split brown ash
Dimensions:
overall: 5 3/4 x 9 1/2 in. (14.6 x 24.2 cm) diam.
Type:
Decorative Arts
Crafts
Date:
1997
Luce Center Label:
Irene McDonald looped and intertwined strips of black ash to make small protrusions all over the surface of this basket. Thin bands of braided sweetgrass add natural perfume to the piece and create subtle stripes against the lighter tones of the black ash. The spiky texture of the basket resembles a pineapple, and removing the lid conjures the image of slicing into the thorny skin to reveal the fruit inside.
Credit Line:
Smithsonian American Art Museum, Gift of Kenneth R. Trapp
