This particular basket, I believe, is made of strips of oak, although some are made of hickory.  In the latter part of August begins the cotton picking season. At this time each cotton picker is presented with a sack. A strap is fastened to it, which goes over the neck, holding the mouth of the sack breast high, while the bottom reaches nearly to the ground. Each one is also presented with a large basket that will hold about two barrels. This to put the cotton in when the sack is filled. The baskets are carried to the field and placed at the beginning of the rows. That is what this basket was used for - cotton picking on farms of many.