Dimensions: 5 x 7 1/2 x 7 1/2"
Materials: black ash
 
The materials for this basket were harvested and prepared by my teacher April Stone from the Bad River Reservation in northern Wisconsin.  This is a precious resource because the Black Ash tree is on the Critically Endangered list due to the destruction by the Emerald Ash Borer insect.  This basket was made in the 2 day class Black Ash with April Stone at the Women's Woodshop in Minneapolis, MN. 
 
April taught us that her practice is to locate a straight Black Ash tree, cut it down, remove the bark, pound the log so it separates along the growth rings, peel off strips, determine desired width and thickness for splints and then smooth out the raw side with a knife.  She prepared the materials for us ahead of time but we did get the opportunity to experience pounding a log, peeling strips and smoothing the bark with our knife.