Add to ORKGThe maker of this maple handled basket is not known. A purse basket, or “shopper” as it was sometimes called, was taken to market and used to carry purchases. The drop handles are made from wood and were carved separately from the basket. The handle attachments were woven into the basket before the rim was attached. Drop handles are a departure from the handles found on earlier carrying baskets. Those were much larger and their rigid handles were woven into the form, allowing the user to carry heavy loads. Although rivercane is generally believed to have the longest history in Cherokee basket construction, baskets are also woven using white oak, honeysuckle, and maple