Metal beads form a silver spiral on the front of this round chatelaine purse. Loops of silver beads dangle below the evening bag. Roses line the purse’s curved metal frame, which fastens in a kiss clasp with metal spheres. The purse hangs by a chain from a chatelaine, or metal clip that can be hooked to a belt, thereby freeing the wearer from carrying the bag. The chatelaine is made of German silv
After moving to Washington, DC following World War II, Ira Blount mastered dozens of artisanal crafts. His love for crafting, learning, and community engagement would endure over the course of his long life and career. As a self-taught maker and member of the Basket Bunch, a basket-making guild in Prince George’s County, Maryland, artist Ira Blount found inspiration in multiple styles of basketry
This small egg basket is woven from a combination of wood splints and round reeds. A God’s Eye woven design connects the rim and the handle, which is covered with a plain weave. Artist Ira Blount’s eye for color is clearly visible in his combination of light, dark, and reddish natural hues. The variation in color, as well as reed and splint size and shape, gives the basket depth and texture.
This small basket is made of wood splints and round reeds woven in a plain weave. Purple reeds surround the woven God’s Eye design that connects the handle to the body of the basket. Glass pony beads attached to the handle complement the purple reeds, giving this piece a colorful, playful aesthetic.
This small round basket is made from natural-colored wood splints and round reeds woven in a plain weave. The handle is covered with a plain weave. The basket is noteworthy for its delicate intricacy and precision.
The Talking Drum is an hourglass-shaped pressure drum so-named because it can imitate spoken language's intonations and rhythms. At either end of the drum’s body, the drum's heads are made of animal hide, fish skin, or another membrane wrapped around the drum's wooden hoop. Leather cords or thongs run the length of the drum's body and are bound around both hoops. The drum player holds the drum und