Fred Tomah's Katahdin Arctic Butterfly basket, 2005

Contributed by Abbe Museum

Description

Fred Tomah (Maliseet) started making baskets in the 1960s. He made potato baskets in his youth, and went on to specialize in twill weaving, projecting his utilitarian baskets into the art realm.

Tomah chose to represent the Katahdin arctic butterfly to raise awareness about the endangered Katahdin Arctic Butterfly, a distinct species that evolved on Katahdin on the basket lid. The four peaked corners on the base of the basket represent the Maliseet, Micmac, Passamaquoddy, and Penobscot Nations of the Wabanaki Confederacy.


About This Item

  • Title: Fred Tomah's Katahdin Arctic Butterfly basket, 2005
  • Creator: Fred Tomah
  • Creation Date: 2005
  • Subject Date: 2005
  • Location: Houlton, Aroostook County, ME
  • Media: Brown ash, Sweetgrass
  • Object Type: Physical Object

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For more information about this item, contact:

Abbe Museum
26 Mount Desert Street, PO Box 286, Bar Harbor, ME 04609
(207) 288-3519
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This Item is protected by copyright and/or related rights. No Permission is required to use the low-resolution watermarked image for educational use, or as allowed by the applicable copyright. For all other uses, permission is required.

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