Shaker Cat Head Basket with Barbara Boughton. #961-0611.

Shaker tradition weaves together beauty and functionality. A classic example in basketry is the "cat head" base. When storing apples and the like in a round basket the center of the bottom will weaken over time. The Shakers wove four "feet" into the base of their round baskets, which distributed the weight of its contents equally around the circumference before filling the center. From the bottom, the "feet" look like two pairs of cat ears. This class will teach the cat head base and allow students to choose the width and height of their finished piece. Some weaving experience is helpful, but not necessary. Dimensions are approximately 10-12" diameter, 6" high.