Native American Urchin Basket

I just got this one today. it is a small Sea Urchin Basket. This one was made by the Passamaquoddy tribe. They would have to bend the splints to the shape and hold them there and keep everything uniform for the shape. Because of this, the artist could charge more for Urchin Baskets. Even after they are done, the splints can still break and it is hard to find one now that does not have damage. This one is about 4 1/2 in diameter by 3 1/4 in height, and has red and natural colors. It has faded some due to sunlight and time but the color is still very visible. I have other Urchin baskets and they all are different from each other. I would say this one was made around 1910-1930. This type of basket is getting harder and harder to find, and I only know of one Native American artist that is still making Urchin baskets, and that artist is Jeremy Frey of the Passamaquoddy Tribe. His baskets are very sought after and I am happy to say that I have a Urchin basket that was made by him now. I do love how he has taken the shape of the old Urchin basket and made it modern.

This is the fourth old Urchin Basket I have been able to find (that was not damaged totally) in 4 years of looking. Enjoy the pics. :)