Contributed by Maine Historical Society
Description
Brown ash is integrally tied to Wabanaki creation histories and the tradition of weaving baskets. Hilary Sockbeson Browne (Penobscot) wove this basket in 2017, after apprenticing with her sibling and master basketmaker, Sarah Sockbeson.
Brown ash trees (Fraxinus nigra) are threatened by the invasive Emerald Ash Borer beetle and Maine’s warming climate. Sweetgrass (Anthoxanthum niteris) is a perennial grass that grows in salt marshes and wet meadows. In addition to being integral to basketmaking, Wabanaki people use sweetgrass in ceremonial practices as a form of spiritual medicine. Private ownership of marshland has impacted sweetgrass harvesting, and invasive species have crowded out sweetgrass in many areas of Maine.
With ash and sweetgrass susceptible to climate change and rising sea levels, questions about sustaining culture without these critical materials arise.
About This Item
- Title: Fancy basket by Hilary Browne, 2017
- Creator: Hilary Sockbeson Browne
- Creation Date: 2017
- Subject Date: 2017
- Location: Old Town, Penobscot County, ME
- Media: Black ash, sweetgrass
- Dimensions: 8.3 cm x 10.2 cm x 10.2 cm
- Object Type: Physical Object
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For more information about this item, contact:
Maine Historical Society485 Congress Street, Portland, ME 04101
(207) 774-1822 x230
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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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