Woven basket in brown wood strips with lid and decorative loops.

Traditionally, in Native American culture the black ash holds great significance due to its role in the legend of black ash basket making. According to the story, Black Elk was a man who recieved a vision from the Creator. He was told that when he died, a tree would grow out of the ashes from his cremated body. From this tree, his people could prepare strips to create baskets, teaching them patience and also giving them a way to provide for their families through selling and trading the baskets. This sacred art, along with its story, has been passed along from generation to generation.