Backpack Basket
Laos
20th century
Bamboo and rattan
21.5" high x 15 (55 x 38 cm)
From southern Laos, mostly rattan with some bamboo, mid-20th C or earlier, used for foraging in forest and/or carrying vegetables. The lovely color and patina is a result of smoking the baskets to protect from insects. The lighter area on lower backside indicates that it was used.