Mandenmaker 1874 - 1945

Carel Adolph Lion Cachet captured this image of a basket maker with graphite. The basket, a universal symbol of containment, has been with us since the dawn of civilization, appearing across cultures from ancient Egypt to the Americas. In many traditions, the woven basket represents community and interconnectedness, each strand relying on others for strength. Yet, consider its psychoanalytic implications: the basket as a metaphor for the self, holding memories and emotions, both fragile and resilient. Throughout history, we find echoes of this motif. Think of the cornucopia, the horn of plenty, overflowing with nature's bounty, or even the humble cradle, promising new beginnings. The image of weaving appears time and again, a testament to human ingenuity and our innate need to create order from chaos, finding its way into our collective consciousness. This image, born from quiet labor, connects us to the enduring human spirit.