Covered Basket

A covered basket attributed to the Atakapa culture, an indigenous people of the Southeast Woodlands along the Gulf of Mexico. Several Native American tribes located along the Gulf are known for their fine basket craftsmanship. These baskets are traditionally made from grasses and canes local to the regions cultures reside within. The baskets are woven in a variety of shapes and are dyed black, red, yellow, or naturally colored. They were largely made for storing, preparing, and serving food, and trading with neighbors. Contemporary basket makers keep these craft traditions alive. Melissa Darden, a Chitimacha basket maker, identifies this object as stylistically Chitimacha.