This is a lovely braided ash and sweetgrass drum purse made by the Maine Wabanaki people in the mid-1900s. The handles are made of Hong Kong cord, which started being used in the 1920s and helped increase basket production because of the time saved from weaving sweetgrass handles. The ring shaped clasps are wrapped with ash. The basket maker utilized a variety of dye colors including shades of red, orange, purple and green.
The drum purse measures 9.5" in diameter and 3.75" deep. It is in overall fair condition for its age. The colors on the outside of the purse have faded significantly compared to the colors seen inside. There are areas were some of the weaving has separated.
This is a lovely, intricate piece and would make a beautiful display item.
