Garden or field basket, 1860-1900

Oak splint

This basket was used by the Detmer family in Golden, Illinois, for collecting root crops such as turnips and potatoes. It was useful to have a basket with an open-weave bottom so loose dirt could fall through before reaching the house or cellar. The basketmaker prepared oak splints by separating strips lengthwise along the wood's grain and cutting them into long thin splints. If finer splints were required, a drawknife or spokeshave was used for finishing.

Illinois State Museum purchase (1986.56)

Food Preparation | Wood

© Illinois State Museum 31-Dec-96