Antique Taghkanic Bushwhacker Swing Handle Basket 19th Century

Antiques : Primitives : Baskets

 

This fabulous swing handle splint basket was hand made during the 1800s in West Taghkanic, New York. These baskets are also referred to as Taconic or Bushwhacker, as detailed in “The Legend of the Bushwhacker Basket” by Martha Wetherbee and Nathan Taylor.

Taghkanic baskets have very specific attributes, as described in the referenced book. Round double pushed up bottom. Rim is double lashed precisely, has a compressed letter D profile, and extends out beyond the basket, so it is wider than taller. Rim is double lashed and criss crossed precisely to the body of the basket. Rims, ears and handle are oak. Turndowns for the uprights under the rim have short tails, and alternate inside/outside. Ends of handle shaped to tails and extend far down into basket. Uprights in bottom of basket taper in as wedges, cross center in one even width, and taper out again as wedges.

One criss cross across the top of the rim is missing. There are eight breaks in the weavers on the side, but only one is missing, with a small opening. The bottom has a section around the perimeter with a missing weaver, so an opening is shown. This could easily be replaced, if desired.

Basket measures 10 inches across, 6 1/4 inches high and approximately 12 3/4 inches with handle upright.

Hand carving of handle is very evident. Color is a fabulous mellow nut brown. Taghkanic baskets were sometimes originally mistaken for Shaker, as they were very well made and durable, a testament to why they have survived with so few faults. This is a fabulous early basket in very sound condition. When found, they generally command much higher prices.

Item ID: 1226