Huge weird basket thingy...art or trap?

Got this huge, weird basket thing for free over the weekend. Stands 34" tall and is 24" across the top of the basket...my buddy's 7 year old granddaughter could have curled up in it if I let her (ha!).

There is an opening at the bottom, and a woven 'stop' or something right behind the opening inside, although I don't think anything would have a hard time getting back out.
There are some clay beads holding some of the sticks inside...I guess to facilitate weaving...otherwise no hardware or anything.

Was thinking fish trap or wannabe fish trap. maybe just an art basket?
The guy said it was expensive when his wife bought it, but no more info.

Any help, thoughts would be great!

 

Hi,
Had to laugh. The basket is from the Phillipines circa 1989. Working for my friends flower shop I bought one of these for my cats to sleep in. I stuffed an old pillow case and they laid in it several years.
greg

 

my only thought is that it took a long time to weave this...

 

A gizmo to hold a whatsit?

 

I think its cool looking !

 

Thanks for the comments!

gregsglass...do you know it was originally for?

Jazzy in the basket...

 

Hi,
They came in a large allotment of about 40 different baskets. They were three of these, they supposed to be used to display potted plants for Spring. They were 35 dollars wholesale.
Your Jazzy is looking for her/his pillow.
greg

 

Ohhh, cartoongirl...give jazzy a soft pet for me ....please.

 

I will pick up another pillow for the kitties...thank goodness they don't insist on down-filled.

komokwa...just gave Jazzy a nice scratch for you! She's about 17 yrs old now...but still spry and happy! She was 10 when I adopted her from the local shelter.

 

Bless your heart !!!
She looks like Puss-Cat's cousin !!

 

Hi,
My Ricky's favorite spot is on top of my Danish swan and duck down comforter. Or as I call it, my bag of feathers. It is 6' square and 12" thick but has no channels just fluff. It compresses into a supermarket bag for storage. I am only sorry that I bought the summerweight instead of the winterweight one which was 20" deep. When he lays on it he sinks down into it so there is only a black spot showing.
Buy Jazzy the down she deserves it.
greg