Estate Charleston SC Gullah Oval Sweetgrass Basket Lid Handle Purse #6

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Estate Charleston SC Gullah Oval Sweetgrass Basket Lid Handle Purse #6:
$110.00

Great versatile Genuine Charleston SC handmade sweetgrass basket.
I was fortunate enough to acquire a small collection of these sweetgrass basketsfrom a Fairmont, N.C. estate. Apparently they loved Charleston, and purchasedseveral of these lovely artisan crafted baskets.
This oval one measures 7.5\" tall including the handle, and 7.75\" x 5.5\" across.This one is often used as a purse or handbag. Generally by adding a cloth lining.
This one still has the tag from Caribbean-Joe\'s.
These are not new, estate items, with some wear to them. I am making my besteffort to adequately describe the condition of these items, but condition is in theeye of the beholder.
Condition of this one is very good, excellent.I do not see any places where the basketry is broken.
I would place the retail value on this one EASILY at $250, and very possibly higher than that, but have still discounted it.
Sweetgrass baskets have a long and storied tradition in the Charleston, S.C. area.
The art of basket making was brought to America by slaves, and it was particularly important in Charleston.In colonial times, Charleston had 3 major imports, which were rice, cotton, and indigo. Sweetgrass baskets were used in the harvesting and production of rice.
They were originally made of sweetgrass, split oak, and bulrush. Later, as the use of the baskets moved more into use in the households, longleaf pine was added (plentiful in the South).
These baskets are indeed a work of art. Each basket is handcrafted and unique. They can be used for many purposes, including their use to hold bread, rolls. Smaller baskets can hold candy or cookies. Lidded and handled baskets are often used as a handbag or purse with the addition of a cloth liner on the inside.Hang them on the wall as a work of art. Use them as you see fit and enjoy them.
As an adjunct, the art of sweetgrass basketry is indeed a dieing art. I vividly remember the days of driving North on Hwy 17 through Mt Pleasant, S.C. and the road was dotted with stands of the vendors with their beautiful crafts. Those days are, sadly, gone.
Thanks for looking and purchases.