A miniature wood splint basket in original chocolate brown colored paint. 
The second half of the 19th c. saw an uprising in tourism dynamics. This surge resulted in Native American tribes locating near tourism and resort spots to take advantage of the trade and produce an appealing and enamored array of basketry.
This black ash splint basket is of fine and delicate craft produced by a New York Native American tribal member for the tourist trade. Its weavers have been produced of thin walled and narrow width weavers allowing its maker to produce a free formed body with tight corners and a medial swelled body. Lightly upended sides at the base allow airflow for its open weave bottom, a proportionally exact match to a full size working feather basket. 
Its rim is crafted in a spoke design where stanners emanates from a central core with weavers coiled circular and terminate near the rim in wide widths to provide rigidity. A nicely coiled rim wrapping is present on its lid and matching body. 
An original coat of chocolate brown paint survivess with superlative surface traits showing light signs of wear and historic properties. 
Excellent original condition and with fine oxidized color. Ca. 1890-1910. 4 1/2"W x 2 3/4"T.