Gentle Bird Woven Basket with Leather Accents

Rare Authentic Native American "Burden Basket" by Victoria GentleBird Wilde Bid on a beautiful, culturally significant piece of contemporary Indigenous art. This authentic, handcrafted "Burden Basket" was created by acclaimed artisan and elder Victoria GentleBird Wilde (Gentle Bird) of the Bear Island Temagami First Nation in Ontario, Canada. Sold under her premium craft label BurdenBasketDesigns, each of her pieces is unique, highly collectible, and created in "The Spirit of Sharing and Teaching. "The Legend & Cultural Significance In Native American culture, burden baskets are powerful spiritual symbols of respect, privacy, and self-reliance. According to tradition, this basket is meant to be hung beside the doorway of a home (tipi or wigwam). It serves as a visual reminder for guests to leave all of their troubles, sorrows, and worries inside the basket before crossing the threshold, ensuring they enter the sacred family space with a peaceful and happy heart. Item Details & Craftsmanship Artisan: Victoria GentleBird Wilde (Bear Island Temagami First Nation) Construction: Masterfully hand-woven natural split-willow framework with an integrated woven sturdy handle. Leatherwork: Double-layered genuine animal hide trim featuring smooth cream-white leather over a textured golden-yellow suede body wrap. In alignment with traditional practices, the piece explicitly uses recycled end cuts from deer, moose, and buffalo hides to honor the animal and reduce waste. Ribbon Detail: Intricately detailed red textile accent ribbon showcasing traditional geometric diamond patterns and Thunderbird motifs in turquoise, black, and yellow. Embellishments: Hanging natural feather focal piece attached with premium glass/wooden accent beads. Extended side hide fringes anchored with genuine metal cone jingles (traditionally used in ceremonial regalia). Provenance Included: Comes with both original attached artisan cards: The "Original by Gentle Bird" signature card featuring her custom hand-drawn bird icon. The formal "Burden Basket Legend" informational story card including a printed "Native Blessing" prayer, contact registry, and organizational details linking back to her holistic center, The Longhouse (Quiet Land Healing Lodge). Condition ReportExcellent Vintage/Artisan Condition: The woven willow structure remains entirely rigid and unbroken. The leather hide is remarkably soft and supple, showing no signs of dry rot, cracking, or discoloration. The original story tags remain safely attached with their original green satin ribbon ties. Pickup at Yonge Street and Steeles Avenue