Antique Hand-carved Primitive Scoop / Mortar with Handle charming puppet ) a few different Coushatta

) a few different Coushatta pine needle baskets

my guess it that it was his and I would guess dates to the 1970s or so

when plants were in the right stage of maturation

with one small crack in the lacquer on one short side at the very bottom

with a nice patina

Antique Hand-carved Primitive Scoop / Mortar with Handle charming puppet ) a few different CoushattaI've seen handled bowls of this form described as mortars, scoops, ladles and dippers; whatever one wants to call this one, it is truly a beautiful thing. I believe it is carved of burl wood and is a gorgeous warm honey color (possibly maple), with a great sheen and smoothness from use and age, I'd guess well over a hundred years. Because it feels so wonderful in the hand, I'd want to use it or at least keep it near at hand; or one could wrap that