Primitive, Much Used Antique Cheese Making Board with Carved Drain old faithful I don't know a lot

I don't know a lot about the origins of this fantastic basket

patented 1897

with a bit of warming to their dry wood surfaces

featuring quite the spectrum of costumes

tall Pottery Craft

Primitive, Much Used Antique Cheese Making Board with Carved Drain old faithful I don't know a lotThe dealer I purchased this from (in Vermont) had it marked as a "lye board," but I am near certain it is in fact a 19th c. cheese making board, with hand carved drain. (I've included an image of one for reference at end of photos.) I find it a supremely beautiful thing, like the most elemental drawing in the world, and also like a painting, with the white stain from the cheese making process filling the circle and bleeding out just a bit beyond. The