A 19th c. splint wood gathering basket in original pumpkin colored paint. 
Constructed and woven of dense black ash wood and woven entirely freehand. Its maker utilized traditional practice of employing a two hoop system lapped and secured with a single iron nail to form its rib work and handle. A series of robust weaving ribs, each formed by hand were used as stanners giving structural reinforcement to the wide bodied weavers. Beautifully seen in its handle is undressed wood from riving raw wood cut from its source. 
Pumpkin colored paint, a scarcely used paint color amongst basketry, adorns the entirety of its exterior throughout and contains undisturbed surface characteristics consisted with age and soft use. 
Basketry formed with practicality in mind is often seen amongst rural makers learning the craft from family, friends and locals. This example demonstrates the simple necessity for farm and field use, made by an individual for local use vs commercial and standardized practice of other basketry being produced on large scale production. 
Shenandoah Valley or Pennsylvania in origin. Ca. 1890. 15"W x 11"T.