Antique Aurora Colony Handwoven Basket ~ Oregon Commune ~ 19th Century
Here we have an Antique Handwoven Basket made by a member of the Aurora Colony in the mid-to-late 19th Century.
Founded in 1856 on the Pudding River in Marion County, the Aurora Colony was one of the more successful utopian communities in American Historry. Established by Wilhelm Keil, a Prussian-born tailor, preacher, and leader, the colony attracted over 600 followers who practiced a communal lifestyle rooted in Christian values. Initially, Keil established a settlement in Missouri called Bethel, later relocating westward to Oregon. The colony was known for its agriculture, crafts, music, and strong German traditions, drawing attention as Aurora's artisans and musicians gained renown. Following Keil's death in 1877, trustees oversaw Aurora's eventual dissolution. Though basket-making wasn’t listed as an official occupation at Aurora, it held significance as an everyday craft, evidenced by the many surviving baskets. Made primarily by men, including John Ehlen, a farmer who led the crew, these baskets were used for gathering produce, carrying laundry, and other tasks. Aurora baskets have a distinctive German-inspired style, with notable features like X-bound rims for added strength and open weaves for ventilation and drainage. Their craftsmanship reflects the practical and communal values of the Colony.
This pieces are extremely rare and incredibly unique.
Weight: 7oz
Measurements: 8.75" W x 3.75" H
This basket is in great condition for something of this age and material. The basket it still wound tightly and feels quite sturdy despite being very light. It appears that at some point, two of the bidings broke and were replaced with string to keep the materials in tact (which you can see along with a little more fraying on the side in the pictures). We do not know if this was done by a community member as a repair, or if this was done by someone else at a later date to keep in together. The Aurora Colony planted and utilized many trees and crops, so it'd difficult for us to know exactly what materials are in here. If we were to guess, it likely has some combination of willow or reed.
1L
#7
3L
JP
Here we have an Antique Handwoven Basket made by a member of the Aurora Colony in the mid-to-late 19th Century.
Founded in 1856 on the Pudding River in Marion County, the Aurora Colony was one of the more successful utopian communities in American Historry. Established by Wilhelm Keil, a Prussian-born tailor, preacher, and leader, the colony attracted over 600 followers who practiced a communal lifestyle rooted in Christian values. Initially, Keil established a settlement in Missouri called Bethel, later relocating westward to Oregon. The colony was known for its agriculture, crafts, music, and strong German traditions, drawing attention as Aurora's artisans and musicians gained renown. Following Keil's death in 1877, trustees oversaw Aurora's eventual dissolution. Though basket-making wasn’t listed as an official occupation at Aurora, it held significance as an everyday craft, evidenced by the many surviving baskets. Made primarily by men, including John Ehlen, a farmer who led the crew, these baskets were used for gathering produce, carrying laundry, and other tasks. Aurora baskets have a distinctive German-inspired style, with notable features like X-bound rims for added strength and open weaves for ventilation and drainage. Their craftsmanship reflects the practical and communal values of the Colony.
This pieces are extremely rare and incredibly unique.
Weight: 7oz
Measurements: 8.75" W x 3.75" H
This basket is in great condition for something of this age and material. The basket it still wound tightly and feels quite sturdy despite being very light. It appears that at some point, two of the bidings broke and were replaced with string to keep the materials in tact (which you can see along with a little more fraying on the side in the pictures). We do not know if this was done by a community member as a repair, or if this was done by someone else at a later date to keep in together. The Aurora Colony planted and utilized many trees and crops, so it'd difficult for us to know exactly what materials are in here. If we were to guess, it likely has some combination of willow or reed.
1L
#7
3L
JP
