Contributed by Abbe Museum
- MMN #80715
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This record was added to Maine Memory Network through the efforts of a student at George Stevens Academy. More info about student projects.
Description
Though this porcupine-weave basket has been attributed to Molly Molasses (or Mary Pelagie, 1775-1867), it is not certain that she made it. But, it is known that Molly Molasses sold a variety of Penobscot-made wares around Bangor and Brewer through the first part of the 19th century.
A porcupine weave is made by folding and pinching the splints so that they created spikey points. Molasses was known to have done this to create a visual interest and make the basket appear more fancy.
Mary Pealgie Nicola, also known as Molly Molasses was a Penobscot woman who was born about 1775. Molasses lived until the age of 92 and had a reputation in the Bangor area for fine work. She was painted, photographed and written about in books and local newspapers. Her baskets were considered to be art rather than souvenirs.
About This Item
- Title: Fancy porcupine-weave basket, Penobscot, 1862
- Creator: Molly Molasses
- Creation Date: 1862
- Subject Date: 1862
- Location: Brewer, Penobscot County, ME
- Media: Ash
- Dimensions: 9 cm x 15.25 cm x 15.25 cm
- Local Code: 1914
- Collection: Mary Cabot Wheelwright Collection
- Object Type: Physical Object
Cross Reference Searches
Standardized Subject Headings
- Abenaki Indians
- Baskets
- Indians of North America--Maine
- Indians of North America--Maine--Penobscot Indians
- Indigenous peoples--Arts & crafts
- Penobscot Indians
- Wabanaki Indians
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For more information about this item, contact:
Abbe Museum26 Mount Desert Street, PO Box 286, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
(207) 288-3519
Website
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